Recycling assistance system and recycling assistance method

Abstract

The present invention authenticates a user on the basis of user authentication information inputted to a computer and registered authentication information pertaining to the user, and, by using identification information applied to a recycling object and access right information that defines, for each user, a level of access to information relating to the recycling object, changes the range of information relating to the recycling object to be disclosed in accordance with the access level of the authenticated user.

Description

Recycling support system and recycling support method

[0001] The present invention relates to a recycling support system and a recycling support method.

[0002] Conventionally, in recycling, a method has been known in which an identification code or the like is assigned to a product to facilitate access to a database (DB) and the database is shared with a third party (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a recycling device that "has an input means for reading first product information attached to a device, a storage means for storing an equipment recovery and dismantling information database of information for matching, dismantling, and sorting the device corresponding to the first product information attached to the device, and a matching means for matching the first product information of the device obtained by the input means with the device corresponding to the equipment recovery and dismantling information database."

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-197147

[0004] Conventional methods such as those described in Patent Document 1 do not take into consideration changing the scope of information disclosed about various recyclable items, including products and parts, depending on the access authority of the accessing user. Information about recyclable items, such as the structure of products and parts, as well as the efficient disassembly order or sorting method, can be considered to have added value in itself. Conventional methods would make such value-added information available without restriction, for example, to third-party dismantler companies that do not do business with the company. As a result, it was not possible to meet the need to differentiate the levels of information disclosed about recyclable items and change the scope of information disclosure, such as providing information preferentially to dismantler companies that do business with the company.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that makes it possible to change the scope of disclosure of information about a recyclable object depending on the authority of the person accessing the recyclable object.

[0006] The recycling support system of the present invention is a recycling support system that supports the recycling of recycling items by disclosing information about the recycling items using a computer having a processor and memory, wherein the processor authenticates the user based on the user's authentication information and the user's registered authentication information input to the computer, and changes the range of information about the recycling items to be disclosed depending on the access level of the authenticated user using identification information assigned to the recycling items and access permission information that defines the access level to information about the recycling items for each user.

[0007] According to the present invention, the scope of disclosure of information about a recyclable object can be changed depending on the authority of the person accessing the recyclable object.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a recycling support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a computer. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an authentication screen displayed by a screen display unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an access authority DB. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a recycling DB. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a product DB. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a price DB. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a design DB. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure for recycling support processing carried out in this system. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a provided information display screen.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The examples are illustrative for explaining the present invention, and appropriate omissions and simplifications have been made for clarity of explanation. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural. The position, size, shape, range, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, range, etc., in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, range, etc. disclosed in the drawings.

[0010] Although various types of information may be described using expressions such as "table," "list," and "queue" as examples, the various types of information may also be expressed using data structures other than these. For example, various types of information such as "XX table," "XX list," and "XX queue" may also be expressed as "XX information." When describing identification information, expressions such as "identification information," "identifier," "name," "ID," and "number" are used, but these are interchangeable.

[0011] When there are multiple components with the same or similar functions, they may be described using the same reference numeral with different subscripts. When there is no need to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted.

[0012] In the embodiments, processing performed by executing a program may be described. Here, a computer executes the program using a processor (e.g., a CPU or a GPU) and performs processing defined by the program using storage resources (e.g., memory) and interface devices (e.g., communication ports). Therefore, the entity performing the processing by executing the program may be the processor. Similarly, the entity performing the processing by executing the program may be a controller, device, system, computer, or node having a processor. The entity performing the processing by executing the program may be any computing unit, and may include a dedicated circuit that performs specific processing. Here, the dedicated circuit may be, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device).

[0013] A program may be installed on a computer from a program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium. When the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server may include a processor and storage resources for storing the program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to be distributed to other computers. In addition, in the embodiments, two or more programs may be realized as one program, or one program may be realized as two or more programs.

[0014] 1 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a recycling support system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The recycling support system 1000 according to this embodiment includes a terminal 100 for acquiring identification information C attached to various products and parts T (hereinafter simply referred to as "recycling objects") to be recycled, an authentication server 200 for providing information about the recycling objects T based on authentication of the terminal 100 and a determination of the access level to information about the recycling objects T, and an information server 300 for storing information about the recycling objects T. The following description will be given on the assumption that the recycling objects T are products or parts, but the present system is not limited to these, and can be similarly applied to various items designated as recycling objects, such as distribution boards, electrical equipment, and cars.

[0015] The terminal 100, authentication server 200, and information server 300 shown in Fig. 1 can be realized by a general computer 1600, as shown in Fig. 2 (schematic computer diagram), which includes a CPU 1601, memory 1602, an external storage device 1603 such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a reading / writing device 1607 for reading and writing information to a portable storage medium 1608 such as a compact disk (CD) or USB memory, an input device 1606 for receiving various types of information such as a keyboard, mouse, reader, or scanner, an output device 1605 such as a display for outputting various types of input information used in processing, a communication device 1604 such as a network interface card (NIC) for connecting to a communication network, and an internal communication line (referred to as a system bus) 1609 such as a system bus that connects these. If the computer 1600 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, it does not necessarily need to include the reading / writing device 1607.

[0016] Furthermore, various data stored in these terminals and servers or used for processing can be realized by the CPU 1601 reading and using it from the memory 1602 or the external storage device 1603. Furthermore, each unit of these terminals and servers (for example, the access range determination unit 202 of the authentication server 200) can be realized by the CPU 1601 loading a predetermined program stored in the external storage device 1603 into the memory 1602 and executing it.

[0017] The above-mentioned predetermined programs and data may be stored (downloaded) into the external storage device 1603 from the storage medium 1608 via the reading / writing device 1607 or from the network via the communication device 1604, and then loaded onto the memory 1602 and executed by the CPU 1601. Alternatively, the programs and data may be directly loaded onto the memory 1602 from the storage medium 1608 via the reading / writing device 1607 or from the network via the communication device 1604, and then executed by the CPU 1601.

[0018] In the following, an example will be given in which these terminals and servers are configured by a single computer, but all or part of these functions may be distributed across one or more computers, such as a cloud, and similar functions may be realized by communicating with each other via a network. Furthermore, the information server 300 may be a single physical server that also serves as the authentication server 200. First, the terminal 100 will be described.

[0019] The terminal 100 is a terminal for requesting information about the recyclable item T identified by the identification information C attached to the recyclable item T, and displaying the information obtained by the request. The terminal 100 may be, for example, a smartphone.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal 100 includes a screen display unit 101 , a reading unit 120 , and a control unit 103 .

[0021] The screen display unit 101 displays various information used in this system, such as an authentication screen for the user to authenticate to this system and information received from the authentication server 200, on the screen of the output device 1605 or the like.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an authentication screen displayed by the screen display unit 101. As shown in Fig. 3, the authentication screen 305 has an ID input field 301 in which the user inputs a user ID for identifying the user in this system, a password input field 302 in which the user inputs a password for the user ID, an authentication button 303 for executing authentication using the user ID and password, and an inquiry button 304 for making an inquiry when the user ID and password are unknown. The user ID and password are determined in advance before using this system.

[0023] Returning to FIG. 1 , the reading unit 120 reads the identification information C attached to the recycle item T. As the identification information C, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) on which product information or parts information (e.g., product number, part number, model number, serial number, manufacturing date, etc.) of the recycle item T is recorded can be used. In addition to the QR code, for example, a barcode or text information indicating the product model number can also be used as the identification information C. In the case of a QR code, the address of the authentication server 200 is set as an access point as the linked URL (Uniform Resource Locator). If the identification information C is text information, the user may separately obtain the URL of the authentication server 200 and access it.

[0024] The control unit 103 controls each unit and the entire terminal 100. As described above, the functions of these units are realized by the CPU 1601 executing a program. Specific processing performed by the terminal 100 will be described later using a flowchart. Returning to FIG. 1 , the authentication server 200 will be described.

[0025] The authentication server 200 is a server that determines the range of information that a user can access and that is made public as a recycling target, and provides the information within that range to an authenticated user. As shown in Fig. 1, the authentication server 200 has an access authority database (DB) 201 and an access range determination unit 202.

[0026] The access authority DB 201 is a database that defines the level of authority that allows a user to access information related to the recycle object T.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the access permission DB 201. As shown in FIG. 4, the access permission DB 201 stores a serial number indicating the order in which the user is registered in the access permission DB 201, the username of the user who uses the system, the password used by the user with that username for access, and the user's access level, all associated with each other. FIG. 4 shows, for example, that a user identified by user ID "0001" can access the system with password "XXX1," and that the level of disclosure of accessible information on recyclable items is "0." The access level "0" is the lowest access level, i.e., the access level with the narrowest disclosure of accessible information on recyclable items. Users with this access level are users other than those described below, such as purchasers of products or parts to be recycled. Examples of information disclosed to users with this access level include wiring materials and their materials (A).

[0028] Similarly, for example, a user identified by user ID "0002" can access the system with password "XXX2," and the level of disclosure of accessible information on recyclable items is "1." Access level "1" is the next lowest level after access level "0," i.e., it is the access level with the second narrowest disclosure of accessible information on recyclable items. A user with this access level is, for example, a general dismantler of products and parts that are subject to recycling, other than the specific dismantler described below. The information disclosed to a user with this access level includes, for example, (A) above, as well as various materials other than wiring and their materials (B).

[0029] Similarly, for example, a user identified by user ID "0003" can access the system using the password "XXX3," and the level of disclosure of information accessible to recyclable items is "2." This access level "2" is the next lowest level after access levels "0" and "1," i.e., it is the third-narrowest access level for disclosing information accessible to recyclable items. A user with this access level is, for example, a designated dismantler who has an existing business relationship with the company. Examples of information disclosed to a user with this access level include (C) recommended dismantling orders and sorting methods in addition to the above (B). Examples of recommended dismantling orders and sorting methods include information on the most efficient dismantling order for products and how to separate them after dismantling. Providing such information can improve the efficiency of dismantling and component sales work for the designated dismantler user.

[0030] Similarly, for example, a user identified by user ID "0004" can access the system with the password "XXX4," and the level of disclosure of information accessible to recyclable items is "3." This access level "3" is the second highest level after access level "4," described below, i.e., it is the second-widest access level for disclosing information accessible to recyclable items. A user with this access level could be, for example, a distributor of the products or parts being recycled. Examples of information disclosed to a user with this access level include (C) above, as well as recommended replacement parts and expected lifespans (D). An example of the use of recommended replacement parts and expected lifespans is when a distributor accesses the system during a regular inspection of a product or part being recycled, and checks replacement deadlines, lifespan information, and price information for the replaced part while visiting a customer sold by the distributor. Providing such information can contribute to revitalizing sales activities during regular inspections.

[0031] Similarly, for example, a user identified by user ID "0005" can access the system with the password "XXX5," and the level of disclosure of information accessible to recyclable items is "4." This access level "4" is the highest level, i.e., the access level that discloses the broadest range of information accessible to recyclable items. A user with this access level may be, for example, a manufacturer of a product or part that is subject to recycling. Examples of information disclosed to a user with this access level include (E) linking to a design database and access to the design database, in addition to (D) above. An example of linking to a design database or accessing a design database is when a manufacturing company user directly accesses the design database to view product details, manufacturing history, and event information when a product defect occurs. Providing such information can help identify, identify, and quickly resolve the cause of a product defect. Returning to FIG. 1 , the access range determination unit 202 will now be described.

[0032] The access range determination unit 202 determines the range of information that the user can access and that is made public for the recycling object using the user ID and password input from the terminal 100, the identification information C read by the reading unit 120, and the above-mentioned access authority DB 201, and provides the user with information about the recycling object within the determined range. The specific processing performed by the access range determination unit 202 will be described later using a flowchart. As described above, the function of the access range determination unit 202 is realized by the CPU 1601 executing a program. Next, the information server 300 will be described.

[0033] The information server 300 is a server that stores information about products and parts to be recycled. As shown in Fig. 1, the information server 300 has a recycle DB 301, a product DB 302, a price DB 303, and a design DB 304.

[0034] The recycle DB 301 is a DB that stores whether a product or part is eligible for recycling.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the recycle DB 301. As shown in FIG. 5, the recycle DB 301 stores recycle numbers for identifying recycled products and parts (i.e., products and parts registered as recycle targets), the names of the products and parts identified by the recycle numbers, and the registration dates of these data, all associated with each other. In FIG. 5, for example, the product identified by the recycle number "R001" is "Product A," and "Part a," which is made of material X and constitutes the product, is also recyclable, just like "Product A." The data related to the recycle number "R001" is also registered on June 1, 2023.

[0036] The product DB 302 is a DB that stores detailed information about recycled products and parts.

[0037] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of product DB 302. As shown in Fig. 6, product DB 302 stores recycle numbers for identifying products and parts registered in recycle DB 301, the names of products and parts identified by the recycle numbers, configuration information of the products and parts, maintenance information of the products and parts, and the registration dates of these data, all in association with each other. The recycle numbers are linked to product numbers and part numbers for identifying the products and parts.

[0038] In FIG. 6 , for example, the recycling target identified by recycling target number "T001" is "Product A" with product number "P001," and detailed configuration information for the product, such as "Model number: 2022-XA01," "Serial number: A2022-001023," and "Manufacturing date: January 23, 2022," is stored. The product is also composed of "Part a," "Part b," "Part c," "Insulating oil A," and other components, and the estimated service life of each component is 10 years, 10 years, 20 years, and 5 years. These components will be replaced on June 1, 2023, and at the time of replacement, the remaining estimated service life will be reached in 3 years, 3 years, 17 years, and 2 years, respectively.

[0039] The price DB 303 is a DB that stores information about the prices of products and parts.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of price DB 303. As shown in FIG. 7, price DB 303 stores product numbers and part numbers for identifying products and parts, the names of products and parts identified by the product numbers and part numbers, the purchase prices and maintenance prices of the products and parts, and the registration dates of these data, all associated with each other. FIG. 5 shows, for example, that "Product A" identified by product number "P001" has a purchase price of "AAAA yen," and subsequent maintenance costs of "A1 yen" for the first three years after purchase and "A11 yen" annually from the fourth year onward. Furthermore, it shows that the data related to product number "P001" was registered on June 1, 2023.

[0041] The design DB 304 is a DB that stores information related to the design of products and parts.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the design DB 304. As shown in FIG. 8, the design DB 304 stores the product numbers and part numbers of products and parts registered in the recycle DB 301, the assembly procedures for the products and parts identified by the product numbers and part numbers, substitute products and parts for the products and parts, whether or not detailed information about the substitute products and parts is available, and the registration dates of these data, all in association with each other. FIG. 8 shows, for example, that "Product A" identified by product number "P001" must be assembled in the order of part a (p001), part b (p002), and part c (p003). It also shows that a product identified by product number "P001'" can be acquired as a substitute for "Product A" identified by product number "P001."

[0043] Furthermore, since the detailed information for the alternative product is "present," this indicates that the access range determination unit 202 can obtain detailed information about the alternative product from another system (not shown) that cooperates with this system. For example, the access range determination unit 202 searches an inventory management system (not shown) that is connected to this system via a network using the product number "P001'" of the alternative product to obtain information about the procurement and inventory of alternative products and parts, and information about the number of days from ordering the alternative product or part to delivery, and obtains this information as the detailed information. Furthermore, it indicates that the data for the product number "P001" was registered on June 1, 2023.

[0044] Next, the processing performed by this system will be described.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for the recycling support process performed in this system.

[0046] First, the reading unit 102 of the terminal 100 accepts an operation from the user and reads the identification information C attached to the recycle object T (S901). Since the identification information C includes a QR code related to the recycle object T, the control unit 103 accesses the address of the authentication server 200 indicated by the QR code read by the reading unit 102 via a communication unit (not shown) that communicates according to a predetermined standard (S902).

[0047] When the authentication server 200 is accessed, the screen display unit 101 displays the authentication screen shown in Fig. 3 and accepts input of authentication information including a user ID and password from the user. The control unit 103 then transmits this authentication information along with product information and component information (e.g., product number, component number, model number, serial number, production date, etc.) read from the identification information C to the authentication server 200. The access range determination unit 202 of the authentication server 200 references the authentication information received from the terminal 100 and the access authority DB 201 shown in Fig. 4 to determine the access level of the user using the system (S904).

[0048] The access range determination unit 202 reads out information about the recycling object T corresponding to the access level determined in S904 from the information stored in the information server 300, and transmits the information to the terminal 100. The screen display unit 101 of the terminal 100 displays the information about the recycling object T received from the authentication server 200 (S905).

[0049] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a provided information display screen on which the screen display unit 101 of the terminal 100 displays information about the recyclable item T provided by the authentication server 200 depending on the access level to the information about the recyclable item T.

[0050] 10, the provided information display screen 310 displays basic information 311, such as product information and parts information of the recycle target T recorded in the identification information C. In FIG. 10, the basic information 311 displayed includes the model number "2022-XA01," serial number "A2022-001023," and manufacturing date "2022 / 1 / 23" of the recycle target T recorded in the identification information C. Because the basic information 311 is information recorded in the identification information C, it can be provided to, for example, a user with access level "0," i.e., all users registered in this system.

[0051] Furthermore, the provided information display screen 310 displays, for example, information other than the basic information 311, such as maintenance information related to parts. In this example, a limited-life parts list 312 is displayed as an example of maintenance information. In Fig. 10, the limited-life parts list 312 indicates that, of the parts that make up the product of the recycle target T recorded in the identification information C, parts a and b have an expected lifespan of 10 years, with three years remaining until the expected lifespan. Similarly, part c has an expected lifespan of 20 years, with 17 years remaining until the expected lifespan, and insulating oil A has an expected lifespan of 5 years, with two years remaining until the expected lifespan.

[0052] The information displayed in the limited-life parts list 312 may be obtained as follows. For example, the access range determination unit 202 uses the product number or part number recorded in the identification information C received from the terminal 100 along with the user ID and password to read a product number or part number that matches the product number or part number from the product DB 302 shown in Fig. 6. The access range determination unit 202 can read and obtain maintenance information that is stored in association with the read product number or part number.

[0053] The information displayed in the limited life parts list 312 is information stored in the product DB 302. Therefore, for example, this information can be provided to users with access level "3," that is, to sales companies and their sales staff who are registered in this system and need to know maintenance information such as the lifespans and replacement times of products and parts.

[0054] The provided information display screen 310 also displays, for example, information other than the basic information 311, such as replacement information related to parts. In this example, a replacement parts list 313 is displayed as an example of replacement information. In FIG. 10 , the replacement parts list 313 indicates that, of the parts constituting the product of the recycle target T recorded in the identification information C, replacement parts for part a are three types of parts, MT02, MT03, and AX04, and replacement parts for part b are three types of parts, MT03, MT04, and AX05. Furthermore, the replacement parts for part c are three types of parts, F25, F26, and R14, and replacement oils for insulating oil A are two types of oil, OL05 and OL08.

[0055] The information displayed on the substitute parts list 313 may be acquired as follows. For example, the access range determination unit 202 uses the product number or part number recorded in the identification information C received from the terminal 100 along with the user ID and password to read the product number or part number that matches the product number or part number from the design DB 304 shown in Fig. 8. The access range determination unit 202 can read and acquire the substitute products and parts that are stored in association with the read product number or part number.

[0056] The information displayed in the substitute parts list 313 is information stored in the design DB 304. Therefore, for example, this information can be provided to users with access level "4," that is, to manufacturing companies and their workers who are registered in the system and need to know design information such as design procedures, assembly procedures, and manufacturing methods for products and parts.

[0057] In Figure 10, basic information 311, limited-life parts list 312, and alternative parts list 313 have been described, but information held by the information server 300 may be combined to display various information on the provided information display screen 310 depending on the access level.

[0058] For example, for a user with access level "1," in addition to the basic information 311, the access range determination unit 202 may further use the product number or part number recorded in the identification information C to read and acquire the material (e.g., material X) of the part name corresponding to the product number or part number stored in the recycle DB 301 shown in Fig. 5. This makes it possible to provide general dismantler with information about the work environment that should be prepared during dismantling, such as the tools, work clothes, and protective clothing required during dismantling.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, for a user with access level "2," in addition to the basic information 311 and the component materials, the access range determination unit 202 may also use the product number or component number recorded in the identification information C to read and acquire the disassembly procedures for the product or component corresponding to the product number or component number, which are stored in the design DB 304 shown in FIG. 8 . The access range determination unit 202 reads the assembly procedures stored in the design DB 304 and sets the reverse order as the disassembly procedure. This makes it possible to present specific disassembly procedures to the specified dismantler, thereby enabling the product or component to be dismantled efficiently.

[0060] 1, 9, etc., the recycling support system according to this embodiment uses a computer having a processor and memory to publish information about a recyclable item and support the recycling of the recyclable item. The processor authenticates the user based on the user's authentication information (e.g., user ID and password) entered into the computer and the user's registered authentication information (e.g., a user ID and password previously registered as a legitimate user), and uses identification information (e.g., a QR code) attached to the recyclable item and access authority information (e.g., access authority DB 201) that defines the access level for each user to the information about the recyclable item to change the scope of the information about the recyclable item to be published depending on the access level of the authenticated user. This satisfies the need to change the scope of the information about the recyclable item to be published depending on the authority of the person accessing the recyclable item.

[0061] Specifically, when a user accesses a recycling-related database, it becomes possible to control the scope and content of access, as well as the scope and amount of scheduled information and public information, according to the authority granted in advance. This makes it possible, for example, to provide incentives to suppliers doing business with the company, and also to facilitate proposals for part-by-part replacement or upgrades as needed.

[0062] As described with reference to Figures 9 and 10, the computer has a display device (e.g., output device 1605), and the processor outputs information about the recyclable items with the changed range to the display device. This allows the information about the recyclable items to be presented to the user. The user can also easily check the information about the recyclable items according to their own authority.

[0063] 1 and the like, the computer has a reading device (e.g., input device 1606), and the processor obtains information about the item to be recycled by reading the identification information with the reading device, thereby allowing the user to easily obtain information contained in the identification information.

[0064] 4, 9, etc., the computer stores in the memory a table (e.g., access authority DB 201) that associates the user's registered authentication information, the access level for information related to the recycling object, and the range of information related to the recycling object corresponding to the access level, as the access authority information. This facilitates maintenance such as registration, change, and deletion of users and their access levels.

[0065] 8, 10, etc., the computer stores in the memory a table (e.g., design DB 304) that associates information about the substitute product to be recycled with the presence or absence of detailed information about the substitute product, and when the authenticated user's access level to the information about the recycled product satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., access level "4" or higher) and detailed information about the substitute product for the recycled product is available (e.g., when the presence or absence of detailed information in design DB 304 is "available"), the processor acquires and outputs the detailed information (e.g., information about the procurement and inventory of substitute products and substitute parts) from another system (e.g., an inventory management system). This makes it possible to grasp not only direct information such as the configuration of substitute products and substitute parts, but also information about the cost of replacing products or parts with substitute products or substitute parts.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In practice, the components may be modified or embodied within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined. For example, in the above-described embodiments, user authentication is performed using a user ID and password. However, in an environment where user IDs and passwords may be leaked or illegally distributed, secure authentication may not always be possible. Therefore, as a countermeasure against leaks, a mechanism for performing authentication each time, such as a one-time password, may be introduced for access levels above a certain threshold (e.g., level 2 or level 3 or higher).

[0067] 1000 Recycling Support System 100 Terminal 101 Screen Display Unit 102 Reading Unit 103 Control Unit 200 Authentication Server 201 Access Authority DB 202 Access Range Determination Unit 300 Information Server 301 Recycling Information DB 302 Product DB 303 Price DB 304 Design DB

Claims

1. A recycling support system that supports recycling of recyclable items by disclosing information about the recyclable items using a computer having a processor and memory, wherein the processor authenticates the user based on user authentication information input to the computer and the user's registered authentication information, and changes the range of information about the recyclable items to be disclosed in accordance with the access level of the authenticated user using identification information attached to the recyclable items and access authority information that defines the access level to information about the recyclable items for each user.

2. The recycling support system according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer has a display device, and the processor outputs information regarding the recycling object whose range has been changed to the display device.

3. The recycling support system according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer has a reading device, and the processor obtains information regarding the recycling item by the reading device reading the identification information.

4. The recycling support system of claim 1, characterized in that the computer stores in the memory a table as the access authority information, which associates the user's registered authentication information, an access level to information relating to the recycling item, and a range of information relating to the recycling item that corresponds to the access level.

5. The recycling support system described in claim 1, characterized in that the computer stores in the memory a table correlating information regarding the alternative products to be recycled with the presence or absence of detailed information regarding the alternative products, and the processor, when the authenticated user's access level to the information regarding the recycling items satisfies a predetermined condition and detailed information regarding the alternative products for the recycling items is available, obtains and outputs the detailed information from another system.

6. A recycling support method in which a computer supports the recycling of a recycling item by disclosing information about the recycling item, the method comprising: authenticating the user based on user authentication information input to the computer and the user's registered authentication information; and varying the range of information about the recycling item to be disclosed in accordance with the access level of the authenticated user using identification information attached to the recycling item and access authority information that defines an access level for each user to information about the recycling item.

7. The recycling support method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of outputting information on the recycling target with the changed range on a display device.

8. The recycling support method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of: acquiring information relating to the item to be recycled by a reading device reading the identification information.

9. The recycling support method according to claim 6, characterized in that the access authority information is registered in the computer in association with the user's registered authentication information, an access level to information relating to the recycling item, and a range of information relating to the recycling item that corresponds to the access level.

10. The recycling support method according to claim 6, further comprising the steps of: using a table that associates information about a substitute item for the recycling item with the presence or absence of detailed information about the substitute item, if the authenticated user's access level to information about the recycling item satisfies a predetermined condition and detailed information about a substitute item for the recycling item is available, obtaining and outputting the detailed information from another system.

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