Information management device, information management system, information management method, and program

Abstract

This information management device includes a management unit that executes processing for securitizing a battery with battery identification information or resources of the battery to sell securities, manages, if the securities are purchased, investor identification information related to an investor who has purchased the securities in association with securities identification information related to the purchased securities, manages, if the battery or resources of the battery are sold for recycling, sale-related information related to the sale in association with the securities identification information related to the securities, and manages the battery identification information, the securities identification information, and the sale-related information in association with one another.

Description

Information management device, information management system, information management method, and program

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a management system that determines compensation to be provided to a battery owner based on the difference between the price paid by the battery user each time the battery is charged or discharged and the price for charging the amount of power output from the battery (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 7246503

[0004] However, the above system sometimes fails to support fund raising.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and one of its objects is to provide an information management device, an information management system, an information management method, and a program that can assist in raising funds.

[0006] The information management device, information management system, information management method, and program according to the present invention employ the following configuration: (1): An information management device for a mobile body according to one aspect of the present invention is an information management device including a management unit that executes processing for securitizing a battery having battery identification information or resources contained in the battery to issue securities, and when the securities are purchased, manages investor identification information of the purchasing investor in association with security identification information of the purchased securities, and when the battery or resources contained in the battery are sold for recycling, manages information related to the sale in association with the security identification information of the securities, and manages the battery identification information, the security identification information, and information related to the sale in association with each other.

[0007] (2) In the above aspect (1), the battery identification information is a serial number assigned to the battery.

[0008] (3) In the above aspect (1), the battery is a battery used in a battery rental service.

[0009] (4) In the above aspect (1), the battery identification information is a serial number assigned to the battery, and the battery is managed using the battery identification information in the battery rental service.

[0010] (5): In the above aspect (1), the management unit uses a blockchain to store information that associates the battery identification information, the security identification information, and information regarding the sale.

[0011] (6) In the above aspect (1), the management unit securitizes one battery having one piece of battery identification information or resources contained in one battery as a reference unit.

[0012] (7) In the above aspect (1), the battery identification information includes information indicating the region in which the battery is used, or the battery identification information and the information indicating the region are managed in association with each other.

[0013] (8): In the above aspect (7), the management unit identifies multiple batteries or battery resources that share a common area where the batteries are used, creates a product related to a security that brings together the identified batteries or battery resources, and sells the created product.

[0014] (9): In the above aspect (1), the management unit compares the usage status of the battery provided by the battery management device that provides the battery rental service with the status of the securities related to the battery, and if the usage status and the status of the securities do not match, notifies the administrator's terminal device of the inconsistency by providing information indicating the inconsistency.

[0015] (10): Another aspect of the present invention provides an information management device for a mobile body, which includes a management unit that executes processing to securitize a vehicle body having vehicle body identification information or resources contained in the vehicle body, issues securities, and when the securities are purchased, manages the securities identification information of the purchased securities by associating it with the investor identification information of the purchasing investor, and when the vehicle body or resources contained in the vehicle body are sold for recycling, manages information related to the sale by associating it with the securities identification information of the securities, and manages the vehicle body identification information, the securities identification information, and information related to the sale by associating them with each other.

[0016] (11): Another aspect of the present invention provides an information management system for a mobile body, comprising an information management device and a battery management device, wherein the information management device executes processing to securitize a battery having battery identification information or resources contained in the battery, and issues securities; when the securities are purchased, the information management device manages the securities identification information of the purchased securities in association with the investor identification information of the purchasing investor; when the battery or resources contained in the battery are sold for recycling, the information relating to the sale is managed in association with the securities identification information of the securities; the battery identification information, the securities identification information, and the information relating to the sale are managed in association with each other; the battery identification information is a serial number assigned to the battery; the battery is a battery used for a battery rental service; and the battery management device is an information management system that manages the battery using the battery identification information and rents the battery to a user to provide the battery rental service.

[0017] (12): Another aspect of the present invention provides an information management method in which a computer executes a process for securitizing a battery having battery identification information or resources contained in the battery, thereby issuing securities; when the securities are purchased, the computer manages the securities identification information of the purchased securities by associating it with the investor identification information of the purchasing investor; when the battery or resources contained in the battery are sold for recycling, the computer manages information related to the sale by associating it with the securities identification information of the securities; and the computer manages the battery identification information, the securities identification information, and information related to the sale by associating them with each other.

[0018] (13): A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute a process for securitizing a battery having battery identification information or resources contained in the battery, and issue securities; when the securities are purchased, causes the computer to manage the securities identification information of the purchased securities in association with the investor identification information of the purchasing investor; when the battery or resources contained in the battery are sold for recycling, causes the computer to manage information related to the sale in association with the securities identification information of the securities; and causes the computer to manage the battery identification information, the securities identification information, and information related to the sale in association with each other.

[0019] According to the above aspects (1) to (9) and (11) to (13), the information management device securitizes the battery or the resources contained in the battery, and manages the battery identification information related to the securitization, the securities identification information, and the information related to the sale in association with each other, so that the securities become investment targets and can assist in raising funds.

[0020] According to the above aspect (6), the information management device targets a single battery or the resources contained in a single battery as an investment target, making it easy to handle as a securities product and improving the marketability of the securities.

[0021] According to the above aspect (7) or (8), the information management device can take into consideration the region that the battery will be used in. By providing information indicating the relationship between the securities and the region in which the battery related to the securities will be used, the information management device allows investors to make investments taking region into consideration, thereby improving the marketability of the securities.

[0022] According to the above aspect (9), when the usage status of the battery does not match the status of the securities related to the battery, the information management device notifies the administrator's terminal device of the inconsistency, thereby enabling more accurate management of the securities or batteries.

[0023] According to the above aspect (10), the information management device securitizes a vehicle body having vehicle body identification information or resources contained in the vehicle body, and manages the battery identification information related to the securitization, the securities identification information, and information related to the sale in association with each other, thereby making the securities an investment target and assisting in raising funds.

[0024] According to the above aspect (11), the information management system provides a battery rental service and a securitization service by utilizing the battery identification information. In this way, by utilizing the battery identification information, various services can be easily provided, and further, by raising funds through securitization, the battery rental service business can be further expanded.

[0025] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management system 1. A diagram showing an example of the contents of battery management information 52. A diagram for explaining an overview of securitization. A diagram showing the trading price of a resource (e.g., cobalt) according to time. A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information management device 100. A diagram showing an example of the contents of securities information 182. A diagram showing an example of the contents of securities sales information 184. A diagram showing an example of securities sales information 186. A diagram showing an example of the contents of recycling information 188. A sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the information management device 100 and the user terminal device 10. A diagram for explaining returns. A diagram showing an example of the contents of securities information 182A. A diagram showing an example of the trading price and securities price when selling a resource such as a battery pack in a different region. A diagram showing an example of content provided to an investor. A diagram showing an example of the contents of status information 190. A sequence diagram showing another example of the flow of processing executed by the information management device 100 and the user terminal device 10.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of an information management device, an information management system, an information management method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management system 1 (information management system). The management system 1 includes, for example, one or more user terminal devices 10, one or more mobile objects 20, one or more battery packs 30, one or more exchangers 40, a battery management device 50, and an information management device 100. These components can communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW includes the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a provider device, a wireless base station, etc.

[0028] The user terminal device 10 is, for example, a computer device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a laptop computer, etc. The user terminal device 10 provides a request for use of the battery pack 30 to the battery management device 50 and obtains information regarding permission for the request from the battery management device 50, for example, based on an operation by a user.

[0029] [Mobile object] The mobile object 20 is a mobile object that uses a battery pack 30. The mobile object 20 may be, for example, a bicycle, a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle, or any other type of mobile object. The mobile object 20 uses power supplied from one or more battery packs 30 attached to predetermined positions to operate a motor or various devices, for example.

[0030] The battery pack 30 is, for example, a battery pack mounted on the mobile object 20. The battery pack 30 may be used by a user as a power source at home or the like. The battery pack 30 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a lead-acid battery. The battery pack 30 is, for example, a battery pack loaned to a user. The battery pack 30 includes a control unit that controls charging or discharging, a storage unit that stores various information, and the like. The control unit controls the battery pack 30 and manages the various information. The various information is, for example, the SOC (State Of Charge) and various information related to the use or operation of the battery pack 30.

[0031] The battery exchanger 40 is a battery station that stores one or more battery packs 30. The battery packs 30 are charged in the battery exchanger 40. For example, when the charge level of a battery pack 30 installed in a mobile object 20 becomes low, a user stores the battery pack 30 in an available storage section of the battery exchanger 40. This allows the battery pack 30 to be charged in the battery exchanger 40. The user can remove a charged battery pack 30 stored in the battery exchanger 40 and install the battery pack 30 in the mobile object 20. This allows the user to visit the battery exchanger 40 and install a charged battery pack in the mobile object 20 even when the charge level of the battery pack 30 becomes low.

[0032] For example, when replacing the battery pack 30, the user uses the user terminal device 10 to give approval and remove the battery pack 30 from the exchanger 40, or operates a touch panel installed on the exchanger 40 to remove the battery pack 30 from the exchanger 40. This provides the user's identification information to the exchanger 40 or the battery management device 50, making it possible to recognize which user is using which battery pack 30.

[0033] [Battery Management Device] The battery management device 50 cooperates with the battery exchanger 40 to manage the battery packs 30 stored in the battery exchanger 40 and the battery packs 30 that are currently on loan. The battery management device 50 manages the battery packs 30, for example, by using battery management information 52. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the battery management information 52. The battery management information 52 is information that associates, for example, a battery identification (ID), the SOC of the battery, the usage history of the battery pack 30, and the status of the battery pack 30. In addition to this information, information such as a state of health (SOH) may also be included.

[0034] The battery ID is, for example, the serial number of the battery pack 30 or the battery of the battery pack 30. The usage history is, for example, information such as the time the battery pack 30 was rented, the identification information of the rented user, the time stored in the exchanger 40, the identification information of the stored exchanger 40, and the SOC in each state. The status is, for example, the state of the battery pack 30, such as a state in which the battery pack 30 is currently being provided for service (a state available for rental) or a state in which the battery pack 30 has been sold for recycling.

[0035] [Regarding the Securitization of Battery Packs] As described above, the battery management device 50 manages the battery packs 30 and provides users with a rental service of the battery packs 30. In the rental service, as demand for the rental of battery packs 30 increases, the service provider needs to prepare more battery packs 30. In this case, in order to more smoothly prepare the battery packs 30, the battery packs 30 or the resources of the battery packs 30 are securitized to raise funds.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an overview of securitization. The total cost of the battery pack 30 is composed of the cost and the material cost. The cost includes, for example, the purchase cost, the sales cost, and the cost related to collection and recycling. The material cost is the resource used in the battery pack 30. If the battery is a lithium-ion battery, the resource is, for example, lithium or a rare metal such as cobalt, nickel, or graphite. If the battery is another type of battery, the resource is a resource appropriate for the battery.

[0037] (1) The information management device 100 issues securities backed by the material costs of the total cost. The battery pack 30 or the resources of the battery pack 30 are securitized. (2) The issued securities are sold to investors. These securities are, for example, tokens linked to the serial number (battery ID) of the battery pack 30. (3) The battery pack 30 is recycled when certain conditions are met, such as the end of its service life. Through recycling, the resources are sold and money is received according to the value of the resources. (4) The money is distributed to investors who hold the securities. This securitization scheme is a service that can be realized by combining a battery, which contains the value of the resource and can be tracked by its serial number (battery ID), with a token.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the trading price of a resource (e.g., cobalt) over time. Resource prices are rising year by year, and as demand for batteries increases, it is expected that trading prices will rise further, as shown by the dotted line. The price of resources when the battery pack 30 is recycled is expected to be higher than the price of resources when the battery pack 30 is provided for service. In conjunction with this, the price of securities is also expected to rise over time. For the above reasons, the securities are targets for investment or speculation. Furthermore, since tokens backed by the value of resources are in circulation, stability of volatility can be expected.

[0039] As described above, funds can be smoothly procured by securitizing the battery pack 30 or the resources of the battery pack 30. The provision of the securitization and other services is mainly performed by the information management device 100.

[0040] In this embodiment, a battery or battery resources are described as being securitized, but a mobile object that runs on an electric motor using power supplied from a battery, such as an electric vehicle or an electric motorcycle, may also be the subject of securitization. In this case, the issuance of the securities is backed by the battery or the resources contained in the battery. The issuance of the securities may be backed by a combination of the battery or the resources contained in the battery and other resources used in the mobile object. Examples of other resources used in the mobile object include materials for the body of the mobile object, and iron and rare metals used in devices such as semiconductors.

[0041] [Information Management Device] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information management device 100. The information management device 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 110, a securities issuing unit 120, a securities management unit 130, a content providing unit 140, and a storage unit 180. The securities issuing unit 120, the securities management unit 130, and the content providing unit 140 are implemented by, for example, a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be implemented by hardware (including circuitry) such as a large-scale integration (LSI), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a graphics processing unit (GPU), or may be implemented by a combination of software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (non-transitory storage medium) such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM and installed by inserting the storage medium into a drive device. The storage unit 180 may be implemented, for example, by a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 180 stores, for example, securities information 182, securities sales information 184, securities sales information 186, and recycling information 188 (details will be described later). The above pieces of information may be integrated. For example, the securities information 182, securities sales information 184, securities sales information 186, and recycling information 188 may be integrated. Some of the above information may be omitted.

[0042] The communication unit 110 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices.

[0043] [Regarding Securitization] The securities issuing unit 120 performs processing to securitize the battery packs 30 or the resources contained in the battery packs 30. The securities issuing unit 120 performs securitization using the battery ID of the battery pack 30. For example, the securities issuing unit 120 links the security ID to the battery ID and issues an electronic security. For example, the securities issuing unit 120 acquires the ID of a battery to be used in the rental service from the battery management unit 50 or another device, and issues an electronic security by associating the acquired battery ID with the security ID. One security ID may be assigned to one battery ID, or one security ID may be assigned to multiple battery IDs. As described above, a security may be issued for each battery pack 30 in a base unit (minimum unit, minimum trading unit, one unit). The securities management unit 130 may securitize one battery pack 30 having one battery ID or the resources contained in one battery pack 30 as a base unit. A security for the base unit may be issued for each set including multiple battery packs 30. The securities management unit 130 may securitize a plurality of battery packs 30 or resources included in a plurality of battery packs 30 as a reference unit.

[0044] The securities issuing unit 120 generates, for example, securities information 182. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the securities information 182. The securities issuing unit 120 associates a securities ID with a battery ID, and further identifies the price of the securities, the specifications of the battery pack 30, and the expiration date of the securities, and associates the identified information with the battery ID and the securities ID. For example, the securities issuing unit 120 obtains the price at which resources are sold from a predetermined database, and determines the price of the securities based on the obtained price and a preset calculation standard. The specifications of the battery pack 30 and the expiration date of the batteries pack 30 may be information provided by another device, for example.

[0045] The security information 182 is information in which, for example, a battery ID, a security ID, a security price, specifications of the battery pack 30, and the expiration date of the security are associated with one another. Of this information, for example, the specifications of the battery pack 30 or the expiration date of the security may be omitted. The specifications of the battery pack 30 include various information related to the battery pack 30, such as the nominal voltage, rated capacity, and service life. The expiration date is, for example, the expiration date of the security. When the expiration date arrives, for example, the security is redeemed. The expiration date may be when a predetermined condition is met instead of a preset date. The predetermined condition may be, for example, when the battery pack 30 no longer meets the conditions for use in a lending service, such as when its SOH no longer meets a standard, or when it has been decided that the battery pack 30 will be recycled. Information indicating that the predetermined condition is no longer met is, for example, information provided by the battery management unit 50 or another device. The expiration date may be, for example, the planned sale date (planned recycling date) of the battery pack 30.

[0046] [Sales of Securities] The content provider 140 generates content for selling securities issued by the securities issuing unit 120 and displays the generated content on the display unit of the user terminal device 10 .

[0047] When securities are purchased by an investor, the securities management unit 130 manages the securities identification information of the purchased securities by associating it with the investor identification information of the purchasing investor. For example, when securities are sold to an investor in response to a request from the investor's user terminal device 10, the securities management unit 130 manages the securities ID by associating it with the investor ID and the sale date. The investor ID is information provided by the user terminal device 10.

[0048] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the securities sales information 184. The securities sales information 184 is information in which, for example, a battery ID, a securities ID, an investor ID, and a sales date (an investor's purchase date) are associated with one another. The securities sales information 184 manages the holders of securities.

[0049] [Regarding the sale of securities] When an investor performs an operation to sell securities held in content provided by the content provider 140 and a transaction is concluded, the securities management unit 130 performs processing to sell the securities. The securities management unit 130 manages the sale of securities using securities sale information 186. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the securities sale information 186. The securities sale information 186 is information in which, for example, a battery ID, a securities ID, a sale date, and a sale amount are associated with each other. The securities management unit 130 updates the securities sale information 186 by associating the sale date, sale amount, etc. with the ID of the sold securities.

[0050] [Regarding Battery Pack Recycling] When the battery pack 30 is sold for recycling, the securities management unit 130 manages information related to the sale for recycling in the recycling information 188. The information related to the sale is, for example, information provided by one or both of the battery management unit 50 and another device (for example, a recycler or an administrator of the battery management unit 50). The information related to the sale includes, for example, the battery ID, the amount obtained by recycling the battery pack 30 (or resources contained in the battery pack 30), the recycling date, etc.

[0051] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the recycling information 188. The recycling information 188 is information in which, for example, a battery ID, a security ID, the amount obtained through recycling, a recycling date, a redemption date (or a scheduled redemption date), and a redemption amount are associated with one another. The redemption date (or a scheduled redemption date) and the redemption amount may be information determined by the battery management unit 50 redeeming the securities to investors, or may be information determined based on a redemption schedule. For example, the battery management unit 50 redeems the securities corresponding to the sold battery ID in response to obtaining information regarding the sale.

[0052] As described above, the securities management unit 130 manages the battery ID, the securities ID, and the information related to the sale in association with each other. The information management device 100, for example, uses the battery ID to generate a securities ID and manages various information using the battery ID or the securities ID as a key. The various information may be stored using a blockchain. For example, the information that associates the battery identification information, the securities identification information, and the information related to the sale may be managed using a blockchain.

[0053] [Sequence Diagram] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the information management device 100 and the user terminal device 10. First, the information management device 100 securitizes the battery pack 30 and issues securities (step S100). Next, when the user terminal device 10 transmits a request to purchase the securities (step S102), the information management device 100 sells the securities to the investor of the user terminal device 10 (step S104). Next, when the sale is completed, the information management device 100 notifies the user terminal device 10 of information indicating that the sale has been completed (step S106). In this manner, the securities are issued and sold.

[0054] When a securitized battery pack 30 is sold for recycling, the information management device 100 acquires information about the sale (step S150). Next, the information management device 100 calculates a redemption amount based on the acquired information about the sale (step S152) and grants the redemption amount to the investor who held the securities for the sold battery pack 30 (step S154). The redemption amount may be transferred to the investor's account, or digital money may be associated with the investor's designated electronic wallet. Next, the information management device 100 notifies the investor's user terminal device 10 that the redemption amount has been granted (step S156). In this way, when the battery pack 30 is recycled, the investor can receive a return.

[0055] Here, we will explain returns. Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining returns. The upper diagram of Figure 11 is similar to Figure 4 and shows the trading price of resources over time. The lower diagram of Figure 11 shows the security price over time. The security price is linked to the trading price of resources. For example, at time T1, the trading price is P1, but at time T2, the trading price is P2. In conjunction with this, at time T1, the security price is P1#, but at time T2, the trading price is P2#. If an investor purchases a security at security price P1# and sells it at security price P2#, they can obtain the difference between security price P1# and security price P2# as a return. Even when a security is redeemed, the security price on or near the redemption date is given to the investor as the redemption amount, so the investor can obtain a return.

[0056] As described above, the information management device 100 can securitize the battery packs 30 to provide investors with investment opportunities and can support fund raising for businesses that provide rental services for the battery packs 30. For example, the invested funds can be invested in the rental service for the battery packs 30. For example, in a rental service that uses a large number of battery packs 30, the information management device 100 can support fund raising.

[0057] <Modification 1> In the above embodiment, securitization may take into consideration the region in which the battery pack 30 is used. For example, an investor may make an investment while taking into consideration the region in which the battery pack 30 is used.

[0058] 12 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the security information 182A. The security information 182A is information in which a battery ID, a security ID, a security price, specifications, an expiration date, and a region in which the battery pack 30 is used are associated with each other. The information indicating the region may be distinguishable in the battery ID. For example, the battery ID may include information indicating the region in which the battery pack 30 is used. The region may be a country, a region including multiple countries, or a region within a single country.

[0059] The securities issuing unit 120 identifies multiple batteries or battery resources that share information indicating a region, generates a securities product that bundles the identified batteries or battery resources, and sells the generated product. For example, when assigning one securities ID to multiple battery packs 30, the securities issuing unit 120 bundles multiple battery packs 30 used in the same region and assigns one securities ID to this bundle. In this way, a securities corresponding to the collection of battery packs 30 used in the same region is issued.

[0060] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of transaction prices and securities prices when battery pack resources are sold in different regions. As shown in FIG. 13 , the transaction price in region A may differ from the transaction price in region B. In conjunction with this, the securities price of the battery pack 30 in region A may differ from the securities price of the battery pack 30 in region B. In the example of FIG. 13 , the transaction price and securities price in region A tend to be higher than the transaction price and securities price in region B. For example, differences in transaction prices and securities prices arise due to the social situation, political and economic conditions, and environment (e.g., climate) of the region where the battery pack 30 is used.

[0061] For example, in regions with climates that place a heavy load on the use of the battery pack 30, there is a possibility that the battery pack 30 or resources are degraded, and transactions tend to be conducted at low transaction prices. Conversely, in regions with climates that place a light load on the use of the battery pack 30, there is a low possibility that the battery pack 30 or resources are degraded, and transactions tend to be conducted at high transaction prices. In resource-abundant countries and countries that are allied with resource-abundant countries, resources are relatively easy to obtain, and therefore transaction prices tend to be low. In resource-poor countries and countries that are not allied with resource-abundant countries, resources are relatively difficult to obtain, and therefore transaction prices tend to be high. In this way, transaction prices vary depending on the region, and securities prices may differ in tandem with this.

[0062] The securities management unit 130 references past securities prices and trading prices by region to generate information about the risks and returns of securities, as well as other information about securities. The content provider 140 provides investors with content including the generated information. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of content provided to investors. The content may include, for example, the risks of securities in region A, the returns of securities in region A, the risks of securities in region B, and the returns of securities in region B. In addition to the above information, the content may also include various information such as trends in resource trading prices in the region and securities price charts, as well as buttons for purchasing securities.

[0063] According to the above-described first modification, the information management device 100 can provide more attractive products to investors by issuing and managing securities that take region into consideration.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the information management device 100 may compare the status of the battery pack 30 with the status of the securities and perform processing according to the comparison result. The securities management unit 130 performs the comparison by, for example, referring to the status information 190 stored in the storage unit 180.

[0065] [Regarding the Status of Battery Packs and Securities] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the status information 190. The status information 190 is information in which, for example, a battery ID, a security ID, the status of the battery pack 30, and a security status are associated with one another. The status of the battery pack 30 is, for example, information indicating the status of the battery pack 30 of the battery ID, such as whether it is being used in a lending service or has been recycled. The security status is, for example, information indicating the status of the security corresponding to the battery ID, such as information indicating that the security is held by an investor, information indicating that the security has been redeemed, or information indicating that the security is scheduled to be redeemed.

[0066] If the status of the battery pack 30 and the status of the securities do not match, the securities management unit 130 notifies the administrator's terminal device of the inconsistency. If the status of the battery pack 30 and the status of the securities do not match, the securities management unit 130 may inquire about the status of the battery pack 30 from the battery management unit 50 or may check the status of the securities by referring to the securities sales information 184. The securities management unit 130 determines that the statuses do not match, for example, if the status of the battery pack 30 is in use and the status of the securities is not held by an investor but is, for example, redeemed. If the status of the battery pack 30 is in use, this is because the battery pack 30 is being used for a lending service and the status of the securities is held by an investor. The securities management unit 130 determines that the statuses do not match, for example, if the status of the battery pack 30 is recycled and the status of the securities is not redeemed but is, for example, in use. If the status of the battery pack 30 is recycled, this is because the battery pack 30 has been redeemed.

[0067] [Sequence Diagram] FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing flow executed by the information management device 100 and the user terminal device 10. The processing of S100-S106 is similar to the processing of the sequence diagram of FIG. 10 , and therefore will not be described again. At a predetermined timing, the battery management device 50 provides the usage status of the battery pack 30 to the information management device 100 (step S108). For example, after processing of step S106, the usage status of the battery pack 30 is provided at predetermined intervals. Next, the information management device 100 provides the usage status of the provided battery pack 30 or information obtained by processing the usage status to the user terminal device 10 (step S110). For example, an investor is provided with information about the battery pack 30 corresponding to the securities held by the investor. The information about the battery pack 30 may be, for example, all or part of the battery management information 52, or information obtained by processing these, and is information useful for investment decisions. This allows investors to recognize the status of the battery packs 30 of the securities they hold and make investment decisions.

[0068] After the processing of step S110, the securities management unit 130 uses the battery management information 52 to update the status of the battery pack 30 in the status information 190, and further updates the status of the securities in the status information 190 by referring to one or more of the securities information 182, the securities sales information 184, and the securities sales information 186, and compares the updated status of the battery pack 30 with the status of the updated securities to determine whether the information matches (step S112). If they do not match, the securities management unit 130 notifies the administrator or requests the battery management unit 50 to resend the battery management information 52.

[0069] As described above, the information management device 100 can confirm the reliability of the information that it manages.

[0070] According to the embodiment described above, the information management device 100 can provide securitization-related services by managing the battery identification information, the security identification information, and the information related to sales in association with each other, thereby supporting fund procurement.

[0071] The above-described embodiment can be expressed as follows: An information management device comprising: a storage medium storing computer-readable instructions; and a processor connected to the storage medium, wherein the processor executes the computer-readable instructions to: execute a process for securitizing a battery having battery identification information or resources contained in the battery to issue securities; when the securities are purchased, manage the security identification information of the purchased securities by associating it with investor identification information of the purchasing investor; when the battery or resources contained in the battery are sold for recycling, manage information related to the sale by associating it with the security identification information of the securities; and manage the battery identification information, the security identification information, and information related to the sale by associating them with each other.

[0072] The above describes the form for carrying out the present invention using an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0073] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Management system 10 User terminal device 20 Mobile object 30 Battery pack 40 Exchanger 50 Battery management device 100 Information management device 120 Securities issuing unit 130 Securities management unit 140 Content providing unit 180 Storage unit 182 Securities information 184 Securities sales information 186 Securities sales information 188 Recycling information

Claims

1. An information management device comprising: a management unit that executes a process for securitizing a battery having battery identification information or resources contained in the battery, and issues securities; when the securities are purchased, manages the securities identification information of the purchased securities by associating it with investor identification information of the purchasing investor; when the battery or resources contained in the battery are sold for recycling, manages information related to the sale by associating it with the securities identification information of the securities; and manages the battery identification information, the securities identification information, and information related to the sale by associating them with each other.

2. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the battery identification information is a serial number assigned to the battery.

3. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the battery is a battery used for a battery rental service.

4. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the battery identification information is a serial number assigned to the battery, and the battery is managed using the battery identification information in the battery rental service.

5. The information management device of claim 1, wherein the management unit uses a blockchain to store information that associates the battery identification information, the securities identification information, and information regarding the sale.

6. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the management section securitizes one battery having one piece of battery identification information or resources contained in one battery as a reference unit.

7. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the battery identification information includes information indicating a region in which the battery is used, or the battery identification information and information indicating the region are managed in association with each other.

8. The information management device according to claim 7, wherein the management unit identifies a plurality of the batteries or battery resources that share a common area in which the batteries are used, generates a product related to a security that compiles the identified batteries or battery resources, and sells the generated product.

9. The information management device of claim 1, wherein the management unit compares the usage status of the battery provided by a battery management device that provides the battery rental service with the status of the securities relating to the battery, and if the usage status and the status of the securities do not match, notifies an administrator's terminal device of the inconsistency by providing information indicating the inconsistency.

10. An information management device comprising: a management unit that executes a process for securitizing a vehicle body having vehicle body identification information or resources contained in the vehicle body, and issues securities; when the securities are purchased, manages the securities identification information of the purchased securities by associating it with investor identification information of the purchasing investor; when the vehicle body or resources contained in the vehicle body are sold for recycling, manages information related to the sale by associating it with the securities identification information of the securities; and manages the vehicle identification information, the securities identification information, and information related to the sale by associating them with each other.

11. An information management system comprising: an information management device; and a battery management device, wherein the information management device executes a process for securitizing a battery having battery identification information or resources contained in the battery to issue securities; when the securities are purchased, manages the securities identification information of the purchased securities by associating it with investor identification information of the purchasing investor; when the battery or resources contained in the battery are sold for recycling, manages information related to the sale by associating it with the securities identification information of the securities; manages the battery identification information, the securities identification information, and information related to the sale by associating them with each other; the battery identification information is a serial number assigned to the battery; the battery is a battery used for a battery lending service; and the battery management device manages the battery using the battery identification information and lends the battery to a user to provide the battery lending service.

12. An information management method in which a computer executes a process for securitizing a battery having battery identification information or resources contained in the battery to issue securities; when the securities are purchased, manages the securities identification information of the purchased securities by associating it with the investor identification information of the purchasing investor; when the battery or resources contained in the battery are sold for recycling, manages information related to the sale by associating it with the securities identification information of the securities; and manages the battery identification information, the securities identification information, and information related to the sale by associating them with each other.

13. A program which causes a computer to execute a process for securitizing a battery having battery identification information or resources contained in the battery and issue securities; when the securities are purchased, causes the investor identification information of the purchasing investor to be associated with the securities identification information of the purchased securities and managed; when the battery or resources contained in the battery are sold for recycling, causes information regarding the sale to be associated with the securities identification information of the securities and managed; and causes the battery identification information, the securities identification information, and information regarding the sale to be associated with each other and managed.

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