Information terminal control method

Abstract

An information terminal control method according to the present disclosure causes at least one hydrogen station to display information indicating the quantity of an environmental value token to be provided to a user who refuels a hydrogen vehicle.

Description

Information terminal control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling an information terminal.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information providing system that displays on an information terminal the prices of power sources (including hydrogen gas) at a plurality of power source (including hydrogen gas) supply stations located in a predetermined area including the current location of the vehicle.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-085795

[0004] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of selecting a hydrogen station that is more optimal for the user.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling an information terminal that can assist a user in selecting a hydrogen station that is more optimal for the user.

[0006] A method for controlling an information terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure displays, at at least one hydrogen station, information indicating the number of environmental value tokens to be provided to users of the hydrogen station who fill hydrogen vehicles with hydrogen.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a control method for an information terminal that can assist a user in selecting a hydrogen station that is more optimal for the user.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram explaining the background for creating each table. FIG. 4 is a table showing the relationship between hydrogen sources and token values ​​according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing hydrogen asset information for hydrogen supplied by a hydrogen station according to an embodiment. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a first display example of hydrogen station information within an area according to an embodiment. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a second display example of hydrogen station information within an area according to an embodiment. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a third display example of hydrogen station information within an area according to an embodiment. FIG. 6D is a diagram showing a fourth display example of hydrogen station information within an area according to an embodiment. FIG. 6E is a diagram showing a fifth display example of hydrogen station information within an area according to an embodiment. FIG. 6F is a diagram showing a sixth display example of hydrogen station information within an area according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of detailed information about a hydrogen station according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation screen for a hydrogen station according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification by an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a setting screen for display items of a hydrogen station displayed on an information terminal according to an embodiment. Fig. 11 is an example of a display of an information terminal in another embodiment. Fig. 12 is an example of a display of an information terminal in another embodiment. Fig. 13 is an example of a display of an information terminal in another embodiment. Fig. 14 is an example of a display of an information terminal in another embodiment.

[0009] (Background to the Invention of the Present Disclosure) Before describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the background to the invention of the present disclosure will be described.

[0010] In the system of Patent Document 1, the prices of power sources (including hydrogen gas) at multiple power source supply stations are displayed on an information terminal, allowing, for example, hydrogen station users to fill up their hydrogen vehicles with hydrogen at a lower-cost hydrogen station.

[0011] However, in the system of Patent Document 1, users select a hydrogen station without considering other information other than the cost of hydrogen, such as the price of the power source. Therefore, there is a risk that the most suitable hydrogen station will not be selected for users who, for example, place importance on information other than the cost of hydrogen.

[0012] It is expected that a more optimal hydrogen station for a user can be selected by taking into consideration other information than the hydrogen cost of each hydrogen station, for example, information related to the environmental value tokens that each hydrogen station provides to users, but this point is not considered in Patent Document 1. In other words, the system in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in selecting a more optimal hydrogen station for a user.

[0013] The environmental value token here refers to information having a value equivalent to money that is given to a user by a hydrogen station after the user fills up with hydrogen at the hydrogen station.

[0014] Therefore, the inventors of the present application have conducted extensive research into methods for controlling information terminals that can assist users in selecting the most suitable hydrogen station for them, and have devised the following method for controlling information terminals. Note that a more suitable hydrogen station means one that is more suited to the user's preferences, behavioral history, etc.

[0015] A method for controlling an information terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure displays, at at least one hydrogen station, information indicating the number of environmental value tokens to be provided to users of the hydrogen station who fill hydrogen vehicles with hydrogen.

[0016] This allows the selection of a hydrogen station to fill with hydrogen taking into account the number of environmental value tokens provided in connection with the hydrogen filling. Therefore, the information terminal control method can help the user select a more optimal hydrogen station than when information indicating the number of environmental value tokens to be provided is not displayed.

[0017] In addition, for example, information indicating the cost of hydrogen at the at least one hydrogen station may also be displayed.

[0018] This allows the user to select a hydrogen station to fill up their hydrogen vehicle with hydrogen, taking the cost of hydrogen into consideration. This helps the user select a more optimal hydrogen station than if the cost of hydrogen were not displayed.

[0019] Also, for example, when the operator of the information terminal selects a specific hydrogen station from the at least one hydrogen station, information showing the composition ratio of the hydrogen sources in the hydrogen supplied by the selected specific hydrogen station may be displayed.

[0020] This allows the selection of a hydrogen station for filling a hydrogen vehicle with hydrogen, taking into account information indicating the composition ratio of the hydrogen sources in the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station. Therefore, this information terminal control method can help the user select a more optimal hydrogen station than when information indicating the composition ratio of the hydrogen sources in the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station is not displayed.

[0021] Furthermore, for example, when the operator of the information terminal inputs information indicating the area in which to search for hydrogen stations, information indicating the quantity of environmental value tokens to be provided by at least one hydrogen station present in the area may be displayed.

[0022] This allows the selection of a hydrogen station for filling up a hydrogen vehicle with hydrogen, taking into consideration the number of environmental value tokens provided at at least one hydrogen station within the search area.

[0023] Furthermore, for example, when the operator of the information terminal inputs information indicating the date to be searched, the information terminal may display information indicating the quantity of the environmental value tokens to be provided at the at least one hydrogen station on that date.

[0024] This allows the selection of a hydrogen station for charging a hydrogen vehicle with hydrogen, taking into consideration the number of environmental value tokens provided at the hydrogen station on a specific date.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, the quantity of the environmental value tokens may be calculated based on information indicating the composition ratio of hydrogen sources in the supply of hydrogen from the at least one hydrogen station.

[0026] This allows the selection of a hydrogen station for filling up a hydrogen vehicle with hydrogen, taking into consideration the number of environmental value tokens calculated based on information indicating the composition ratio of hydrogen sources in the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station.

[0027] Also, for example, when an input is received from the operator of the information terminal to select a specific hydrogen station from the at least one hydrogen station, the location information of the selected specific hydrogen station may be displayed.

[0028] This allows the location information to be taken into consideration when selecting a hydrogen station to fill a hydrogen vehicle with hydrogen. Therefore, this information terminal control method can help users select a more optimal hydrogen station than when location information is not displayed.

[0029] In addition, for example, the location information of the at least one hydrogen station may also be displayed.

[0030] This allows the selection of a hydrogen station to fill a hydrogen vehicle with hydrogen, taking into consideration not only the number of environmental value tokens to be provided but also the location information of the hydrogen station. Therefore, this information terminal control method can help the user select a more optimal hydrogen station than when only the number of environmental value tokens to be provided at the hydrogen station is displayed.

[0031] Furthermore, for example, hydrogen stations that are recommended for use by the user may be clearly displayed, which are identified based on the hydrogen costs of hydrogen stations that the user has used or reserved for use.

[0032] This allows hydrogen stations identified based on hydrogen costs to be clearly displayed, thereby helping users select the most suitable hydrogen station in terms of hydrogen costs.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, hydrogen stations that are recommended for use by the user may be clearly displayed, which are identified based on the number of environmental value tokens provided at the hydrogen stations that the user has used or reserved for use.

[0034] This makes it possible to clearly indicate the hydrogen station identified based on the number of environmental value tokens provided, thereby helping the user to select the most suitable hydrogen station in terms of token value.

[0035] Furthermore, for example, the hydrogen stations recommended for use by the user may be clearly displayed, which are identified based on information indicating the composition ratio of hydrogen sources at the hydrogen stations used or reserved for use by the user.

[0036] This clearly indicates hydrogen stations identified based on the composition ratio of hydrogen sources in the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station, thereby helping to select the most appropriate hydrogen station in terms of the composition ratio of hydrogen sources in the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station.

[0037] Also, for example, when an input is received from the operator of the information terminal to reserve the use of the hydrogen station for a specified period, a notification may be made that the specified period is approaching before the start of the specified period.

[0038] This prevents the user from realizing that the reserved period is approaching and forgetting to fill the hydrogen vehicle with hydrogen during the reserved period.

[0039] Also, for example, when an input is received from the operator of the information terminal to set a specific hydrogen station among the at least one hydrogen station as a destination, a route to the specific hydrogen station may be displayed.

[0040] This allows users to drive their electric vehicles to the hydrogen station they have set as their destination while checking the route to the station.

[0041] Also, for example, when an input is received from the operator of the information terminal to set a specific hydrogen station among the at least one hydrogen station as the destination, information indicating that the specific hydrogen station has been set as the destination may be transmitted to the controller of the electric vehicle during automatic driving.

[0042] This will enable users to reach their destination hydrogen station via automated driving in an electric vehicle.

[0043] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for calculating the number of environmental value tokens to be provided to a purchaser of hydrogen is based on the composition ratio of hydrogen sources in the hydrogen purchased by the purchaser and the number of environmental value tokens to be provided for each of the hydrogen sources.

[0044] This will make it possible to provide hydrogen purchasers with an appropriate number of environmental value tokens.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, the number of environmental value tokens provided to the hydrogen source is set according to the magnitude of the environmental contribution of the hydrogen source.

[0046] This makes it possible to appropriately set the number of environmental value tokens provided to a hydrogen purchaser according to the degree of environmental contribution of the hydrogen purchased by the purchaser.

[0047] These general or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or as any combination of the system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium. The program may be pre-stored in the recording medium, or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

[0048] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0049] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in independent claims are described as optional components.

[0050] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Therefore, for example, the scales of the figures do not necessarily match. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0051] Furthermore, in this specification, numerical values ​​and numerical ranges are not expressions that express only the strict meaning, but are expressions that mean that they also include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about several percent (or about 10%).

[0052] Furthermore, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" do not refer to the number or order of components unless otherwise specified, but are used for the purpose of avoiding confusion and distinguishing between components of the same type.

[0053] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, a method for controlling an information terminal according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0054] [1. Configuration of Control System] First, the configuration of a control system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0055] The control system 1 is a system that assists users in selecting the most suitable hydrogen station for them when filling their hydrogen vehicles with hydrogen, and is characterized by the fact that it displays information regarding the environmental value tokens that will be given to users of the hydrogen station that fills hydrogen vehicles with hydrogen before hydrogen filling.

[0056] A hydrogen vehicle refers to a vehicle powered by hydrogen. For example, it may be a fuel cell vehicle in which a motor is driven by electrical energy generated by a fuel cell, or a hydrogen engine vehicle in which a hydrogen engine is used. A hydrogen vehicle is also called a fuel cell vehicle. A fuel cell vehicle is, for example, a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCV), but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a fuel cell truck, a fuel cell bus, a fuel cell forklift, a fuel cell motorcycle, a fuel cell scooter, a fuel cell wheelchair, etc. Furthermore, a hydrogen engine vehicle is, for example, a hydrogen engine automobile, but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a hydrogen engine truck, a hydrogen engine bus, a hydrogen engine forklift, a hydrogen engine motorcycle, a hydrogen engine scooter, a hydrogen engine wheelchair, etc.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1, the control system 1 includes an information terminal 10, a server device 20, a hydrogen station management system 30, and hydrogen stations 40. The information terminal 10 and the server device 20 are communicatively connected via a network 60. The control system 1 is required to include at least one hydrogen station 40. The control system 1 is required to include at least a component that executes the control method of the information terminal 10, which will be described later, such as the server device 20. The at least one hydrogen station 40 may be a single hydrogen station 40 or multiple hydrogen stations 40.

[0058] The network 60 may include various networks such as the Internet, a communication network of an Internet service provider, a mobile phone network, or a local area network. The networks included in the network 60 may be wired networks or wireless networks.

[0059] The information terminal 10 is an information terminal operated by an operator and is communicatively connected to the server device 20. The information terminal 10 may be, for example, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, or a fixed information terminal such as a navigation device mounted on a vehicle. The information terminal 10 may have installed thereon an application for, for example, checking the status of the hydrogen station 40, making reservations for hydrogen filling, etc. The operator may be the same person as the user, or may be a different person. Hereinafter, the application will also be referred to as an app. If the operator and the user are different people, the operator may log in to the application using the user's ID and check the status, make reservations for charging, etc. as the user.

[0060] The information terminal 10 includes a display 11 that displays information received from the server device 20. The display 11 displays information to the operator to assist the user of the hydrogen stations 40 in selecting the most suitable hydrogen station 40. The display 11 displays, for example, information transmitted from the server device 20. The display 11 can be realized by a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0061] Although not shown, the information terminal 10 further includes a reception unit that receives input from an operator. The reception unit may be realized, for example, by a touch panel or push button that receives operations from the operator, or by a sound collection device such as a microphone that receives the operator's voice.

[0062] The server device 20 generates information to be displayed on the information terminal 10 based on the hydrogen station information of each hydrogen station 40 received from the hydrogen station management system 30 and transmits the information to the information terminal 10 .

[0063] The server device 20 includes a communicator 21, a controller 22, and a storage device 23. The controller 22 includes a processor and a memory. The memory is a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM), and can store a control program executed by the processor. The communicator 21 executes the control program stored in the memory of the controller 22 to realize communication.

[0064] The communicator 21 is a communication interface that allows the server device 20 to communicate with the information terminal 10 and the hydrogen station management system 30. The communicator 21 receives hydrogen station information from the hydrogen station management system 30, receives search area information from the information terminal 10, and transmits within-area hydrogen station information, including hydrogen station information for hydrogen stations 40 within the received search area, to the information terminal 10. The within-area hydrogen station information includes information that allows the operator to select a hydrogen station 40, from one or more hydrogen stations 40 within the area, for which detailed information should be displayed.

[0065] The search area information is an area to be searched for hydrogen stations 40 that fill hydrogen vehicles with hydrogen, and is received via the information terminal 10 .

[0066] The hydrogen station information is information for displaying on the display 11 of the information terminal 10 a display that allows the operator to select a hydrogen station 40, detailed information about the hydrogen station 40, etc. The hydrogen station information includes information indicating the location information of the hydrogen station 40, the cost of hydrogen, the number of environmental value tokens, etc. Hydrogen station information will be described later with reference to Figures 6A to 7. In this specification, environmental value tokens refer to CO ２ These are tokens that are issued according to the magnitude of the environmental contribution, such as the amount of emission reductions. The number of environmental value tokens to be provided is set individually for each hydrogen station 40. A method for calculating the number of environmental value tokens to be provided will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0067] The controller 22 executes various processes to assist users of the hydrogen stations 40 in selecting the most suitable hydrogen station 40. For example, the controller 22 generates information to be displayed on the display 11 of the information terminal 10 based on the hydrogen station information of each hydrogen station 40 received by the communicator 21. Specifically, the controller 22 extracts hydrogen station information for one or more hydrogen stations 40 within the search area from the hydrogen station information of each hydrogen station 40 received by the communicator 21, generates in-area hydrogen station information including the extracted hydrogen station information, and transmits it to the information terminal 10.

[0068] The memory 23 is a storage device that stores various information to assist users of the hydrogen stations 40 in selecting the most suitable hydrogen station 40. The memory 23 stores hydrogen station information for each hydrogen station 40 received from the hydrogen station management system 30. The memory 23 may also store, for example, history information on past hydrogen filling (use) or hydrogen filling reservations (use reservations) made by users of the hydrogen station 40 at the hydrogen station 40. The history information will be described later. The memory 23 is realized, for example, by a hard disk drive (HDD) or semiconductor memory.

[0069] The hydrogen station management system 30 is communicably connected to each hydrogen station 40 , collects hydrogen station information from each hydrogen station 40 , and transmits the collected hydrogen station information to the server device 20 .

[0070] The hydrogen station management system 30 includes a communicator 31, a controller 32, and a storage unit 33. The controller 32 includes a processor and memory. The memory may be a ROM or RAM, and can store a control program executed by the processor. The communicator 31 executes the control program stored in the memory of the controller 32 to achieve communication.

[0071] The communicator 31 is a communication interface that allows the hydrogen station management system 30 to communicate with the server device 20 and each hydrogen station 40. The communicator 31 receives hydrogen station information from each hydrogen station 40 and transmits the received hydrogen station information to the server device 20.

[0072] The controller 32 includes a processor and a memory. The memory may be a ROM, RAM, or the like, and can store a control program executed by the processor. The controller 32 executes various processes related to the transmission, reception, and storage of hydrogen station information.

[0073] The memory 33 is a storage device that stores hydrogen station information and the like from each hydrogen station 40. The memory 33 is realized by, for example, an HDD or a semiconductor memory.

[0074] The hydrogen station 40 is a refueling facility equipped with one or more fuel fillers for filling hydrogen vehicles, such as fuel cell vehicles, with hydrogen stored in hydrogen tanks. The hydrogen station 40 is also called a hydrogen site.

[0075] 2. Operation of the Control System Next, the operation of the control system 1 configured as above will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 9. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control system 1 (method of controlling the information terminal 10) according to this embodiment.

[0076] As shown in Figure 2, when the operator executes an input to launch an app for selecting a hydrogen station 40 to fill with hydrogen, the information terminal 10 launches the app for selecting the hydrogen station 40 (S11).

[0077] Next, the information terminal 10 acquires from the operator information indicating a search area for searching for candidate hydrogen stations 40 for hydrogen filling (S12). The information terminal 10 may acquire the information indicating the search area by input from the operator, or may acquire the information indicating the search area based on the hydrogen vehicle's location information, with a predetermined area including the hydrogen vehicle's current location as the search area. Hereinafter, the information indicating the search area will also be referred to as search area information.

[0078] In step S12 or a step before or after it, information indicating the date to be searched may be acquired in addition to the search area information. The information terminal 10 may acquire information indicating the search area through input by the operator. Hereinafter, information indicating the date will also be referred to as date information.

[0079] Examples of the input by the operator include, but are not limited to, character input, voice input, selection from displayed area names, selection from displayed area images, etc. Note that, for example, an example of an area image is an image displayed in a map application such as Google Maps (registered trademark), but is not limited to this.

[0080] Next, the information terminal 10 transmits search area information indicating the acquired search area to the server device 20, and the communicator 21 of the server device 20 receives the search area information transmitted from the information terminal 10 (S13).

[0081] If the information terminal 10 acquires date information in step S12 or in a step before or after step S12, the communicator 21 of the server device 20 also receives the date information transmitted from the information terminal 10.

[0082] The hydrogen station management system 30 transmits the hydrogen station information received from each hydrogen station 40 to the server device 20 via the communicator 31, and the communicator 21 of the server device 20 receives the hydrogen station information transmitted from the hydrogen station management system 30 (S31). The controller 22 of the server device 20 stores the received hydrogen station information in the memory 23.

[0083] The process of step S31 may be executed periodically or as needed. By "as needed," we mean that the hydrogen station management system 30 transmits the received hydrogen station information to the server device 20 every time it receives hydrogen station information from a hydrogen station 40. Furthermore, the process of step S31 may be executed regardless of the processes of the information terminal 10, for example.

[0084] As explained above, the hydrogen station information that the hydrogen station management system 30 receives from each hydrogen station 40 includes information indicating the number of environmental value tokens that will be provided to a user of the hydrogen station 40 when a hydrogen vehicle is filled with hydrogen. Here, the number of environmental value tokens that will be provided and how to calculate the number of environmental value tokens that will be provided will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0085] First, the background for creating the tables shown in Figures 4 and 5 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the background for creating the tables.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 3 , hydrogen trading tokens are issued for hydrogen available for sale at hydrogen production plants 210-230 according to the hydrogen production method, hydrogen quantity, etc. These hydrogen trading tokens are accumulated in hydrogen trading token pool 110 of hydrogen trading server 100 and are bought and sold through hydrogen trading token pool 110. For example, accumulated hydrogen trading tokens can be used for hydrogen trading token transactions, liquidated and converted into cash, or used for cashback, etc. For example, hydrogen trading tokens are purchased by consumers, etc. as a right to use (consume) hydrogen, and the consumers, etc. who purchased the hydrogen trading tokens can use hydrogen equivalent to the hydrogen trading tokens. By actually consuming hydrogen, the hydrogen trading tokens equivalent to the consumed hydrogen are cancelled. In this way, hydrogen trading is carried out via hydrogen trading server 100. Examples of consumers who purchase hydrogen trading tokens as a right to use hydrogen include companies 310, users 320, hydrogen stations 40, etc.

[0087] Furthermore, hydrogen trading tokens are issued for saleable hydrogen according to the amount of hydrogen, and environmental value tokens are issued as value information according to the degree of contribution to the environment of each hydrogen production method, etc. These environmental value tokens are accumulated in the environmental value token pool 120 of the hydrogen trading server 100, and are transferred to the purchaser of the hydrogen trading token when hydrogen is traded through the hydrogen trading token pool 110. Note that the transferee may or may not pay a consideration to the transferor for the transfer of the environmental value token. Furthermore, the environmental value token here can be used to purchase, for example, CO ２ The environmental value token is a token that is calculated and issued according to the degree of contribution to the environment, such as the amount of reduction. This environmental value token may be directly tradable on the market as it is, or may be indirectly tradable on the market by converting it into another token that is tradable on the market. Note that when financial resources such as donations from companies 310 or the like are provided to the hydrogen trading server 100, this environmental value token may be transferable or convertible into transferable environmental value tokens in an amount equivalent to the amount of the financial resources.

[0088] This environmental value token is destroyed when it is transferred, and a transfer history is issued that records the date and time the transfer was executed, the transfer source (owner ID), the transfer destination (new owner ID), the value at the time of the transfer, and other transaction history. The issued transfer history becomes the subject of the transfer transaction. The transfer history of this environmental value token records the value and issuer of the destroyed environmental value token, and the transfer destination in a transfer transaction is added to the transaction history each time a transfer is made. Here, the destruction of a token refers to a process that eliminates its exchange value as currency, such as setting its value to zero or storing it in an account that cannot be rewritten by the owner by erasing or making the private key unknown. The transfer history of the destroyed environmental value token is then recorded in a ledger server group including ledger servers 400a-400c via the hydrogen trading server 100. Such a ledger server group is also referred to as a distributed ledger network.

[0089] The ledger server 400a is a server that manages the transfer history of environmental value tokens using a distributed ledger. The ledger server 400a stores the distributed ledger in storage. When the ledger server 400a receives transaction data indicating the transfer history of environmental value tokens from the hydrogen trading server 100, it executes a process of storing the received transaction data in the distributed ledger. The transaction data indicating the transfer history of environmental value tokens includes the addresses in the distributed ledger system of the transfer source and transfer destination of the environmental value tokens.

[0090] Here, we will explain blockchain as an example of a distributed ledger, but the same applies to other distributed ledgers.

[0091] A blockchain is a system in which blocks, which are the units of record, are connected in a chain. Each block contains multiple transaction data and the hash value of the immediately preceding block. Specifically, a second block contains the hash value of the immediately preceding first block. A hash value calculated from the multiple transaction data contained in the second block and the hash value of the first block is then included in the third block immediately following the second block as the hash value of the second block. In this way, a blockchain effectively prevents tampering with recorded transaction data by connecting blocks in a chain while including the contents of the previous block as a hash value.

[0092] If past transaction data were to be changed, the hash value of the block would be different from before the change, and in order to make the altered block appear correct, all subsequent blocks would have to be recreated, which is extremely difficult in reality. This property is used to ensure that blockchains are tamper-resistant.

[0093] Furthermore, the transaction data includes a transaction body and a digital signature. The transaction body is the data body included in the transaction data, and in this embodiment, includes information on the transfer history of the environmental value token. The digital signature is a digital signature generated for a hash value of the transaction body using the signature key of the creator of the transaction data, and may be generated, for example, by encrypting the hash value with the private key of the creator of the transaction data.

[0094] Transaction data has a digital signature, making it virtually impossible to tamper with. If transaction data is tampered with, verification using the digital signature will fail, revealing that the transaction data has been tampered with. This prevents tampering with the transaction itself.

[0095] The ledger servers 400b and 400c are ledger servers similar to the ledger server 400a, and operate independently of the ledger server 400a.

[0096] Although the figure shows an example in which the distributed ledger network includes three ledger servers 400a to 400c, the number of ledger servers 400a to 400c may be four or more.

[0097] The hydrogen production method corresponds to the hydrogen source. The composition ratio of the hydrogen sources can be ascertained by using hydrogen trading tokens. The number of environmental value tokens provided to users of the hydrogen station 40 is set according to the level of environmental contribution for each hydrogen production method. Each hydrogen station 40 creates and stores the table data shown in Figures 4 and 5 based on the hydrogen trading tokens and environmental value tokens acquired through hydrogen trading via the hydrogen trading server 100.

[0098] 4 is a table showing the relationship between the hydrogen source and the number of environmental value tokens provided according to this embodiment. The number of environmental value tokens provided for each hydrogen source is shown in FIG. 4. The number of environmental value tokens is expressed, for example, in green coins (GC), but is not limited to this.

[0099] 4 shows the correspondence between the hydrogen source of the hydrogen station 40 and the quantity (gc / kWh) of environmental value tokens provided. The hydrogen source is the source of the hydrogen supplied at the hydrogen station 40. This hydrogen source is a type of hydrogen specified based on the hydrogen production method, and in the example of FIG. 4, includes green hydrogen, blue hydrogen, and gray hydrogen. In other words, FIG. 4 shows the quantity (gc / kWh) of environmental value tokens provided for each hydrogen production method.

[0100] Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources and does not emit carbon dioxide (CO ２ Blue hydrogen is hydrogen produced without emitting CO2. One example is hydrogen produced by water electrolysis using electricity generated by solar power. ２ Blue hydrogen is hydrogen produced with reduced emissions. For example, blue hydrogen is hydrogen obtained through a production method that includes a step of capturing carbon dioxide generated during the production of hydrogen using fossil fuels. Grey hydrogen is hydrogen produced using fossil fuels and other fuels without CO2 emissions during the production process. ２ In other words, green hydrogen, blue hydrogen, and gray hydrogen are all hydrogen produced by emitting CO ２ The hydrogen is classified according to the magnitude of the emission reduction amount, in other words, the level of decarbonization. In other words, in FIG. 4, the number of environmental value tokens provided for each hydrogen source is calculated based on the CO2 reduction amount of each hydrogen source. ２ It corresponds to the magnitude of the environmental contribution in terms of the amount of emission reduction. Note that Fig. 4 is an example, and the configuration of the hydrogen sources and the correspondence between each hydrogen source and the number of environmental value tokens provided are not limited to this example.

[0101] 4 may be changed as needed, so it is advisable to use the latest correspondence relationship. The correspondence relationship shown in FIG. 4 is used in common for each hydrogen station 40.

[0102] 5 is a diagram showing hydrogen asset information for hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40 according to this embodiment. The hydrogen asset information is an example of information indicating the composition ratio of hydrogen sources in the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40, for example, information indicating the composition ratio of hydrogen sources for each hydrogen production method.

[0103] The hydrogen asset information of the hydrogen supplied by hydrogen station 40 shown in Figure 5 includes the fact that the proportion of green hydrogen in the hydrogen supplied by hydrogen station 40 is 50%, the proportion of blue hydrogen is 30%, and the proportion of gray hydrogen is 20%.

[0104] The number of environmental value tokens provided at the hydrogen station 40 is calculated by the information processing device of the hydrogen station 40 based on the hydrogen asset information of the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40 and the number of environmental value tokens provided for each hydrogen source. For example, the number of environmental value tokens provided at the hydrogen station 40 may be calculated by multiplying the ratio for each hydrogen source included in the hydrogen asset information of the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40 by the number of environmental value tokens provided for each hydrogen source. For example, in the case of the hydrogen asset information of the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40 shown in Figure 5, the number of environmental value tokens provided at the hydrogen station 40 is calculated using the following formula 1.

[0105] Quantity of environmental value tokens = 1.5 x 0.5 + 1.0 x 0.3 + 0 x 0.2 = 1.05 (gc / kWh) ... Formula (1)

[0106] In this way, the number of environmental value tokens provided at the hydrogen station 40 is calculated based on the hydrogen asset information of the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40, i.e., information indicating the composition ratio of the hydrogen sources. Note that the method for calculating the number of environmental value tokens provided at the hydrogen station 40 is not limited to the above, and other methods may also be used for calculation.

[0107] It should be noted that the ratio of hydrogen supplied by a hydrogen station 40 in the hydrogen asset information may differ for each hydrogen station 40, and therefore the number of environmental value tokens provided may also differ for each hydrogen station 40. Therefore, the number of environmental value tokens provided at a hydrogen station 40 is calculated for each hydrogen station 40.

[0108] In step S31, hydrogen station information including the number of environmental value tokens calculated at the hydrogen station 40 as described above is transmitted from the hydrogen station management system 30 to the server device 20.

[0109] Referring again to Figure 2, when the controller 22 of the server device 20 receives the search area information in step S13, it extracts the hydrogen stations 40 included in the search area and generates hydrogen station information within the area that includes the hydrogen station information of the extracted hydrogen stations 40.

[0110] Next, the server device 20 transmits the information about hydrogen stations within the area via the communicator 21, and the information terminal 10 receives the information about hydrogen stations within the area transmitted from the server device 20 (S21). The information terminal 10 may store the information about hydrogen stations within the area in a memory (not shown).

[0111] Next, the display 11 of the information terminal 10 displays the received information about hydrogen stations within the area (S14).

[0112] Here, an example of in-area hydrogen station information displayed by the display 11 will be described with reference to Figs. 6A to 6F. Figs. 6A to 6F are diagrams showing examples of display of in-area hydrogen station information according to this embodiment. Note that an example is shown in which "Kadoma City" is received as the search area in step S12. Furthermore, in order to identify the hydrogen stations 40, each hydrogen station 40 is referred to as site A to C. Furthermore, which of Figs. 6A to 6F is to be displayed may be set in advance by the operator. Note that in Fig. 6A etc., the number of environmental value tokens to be provided is referred to as the "token amount."

[0113] 6A, the display 11 may display a list of hydrogen stations 40 in the area. The list may include, for example, the address of each hydrogen station 40, the cost of hydrogen, and the number of environmental value tokens provided.

[0114] The hydrogen cost and the number of environmental value tokens to be provided are the hydrogen cost and the number of environmental value tokens to be provided on the day when the operator searches for hydrogen stations 40 in the area, or on the date input by the operator. This also applies to the hydrogen cost and the number of environmental value tokens in each of the display examples of Figures 6B to 6F. Furthermore, although the display example shown in Figure 6A does not display information indicating the current date or the date input by the operator, the display example shown in Figure 6A may further display information indicating these dates. This also applies to each of the display examples of Figures 6B to 6F.

[0115] The address indicates the address of the hydrogen station 40. The address is an example of location information.

[0116] The hydrogen cost indicates, for example, the cost of filling per filled amount (X yen / kg) on ​​the day that the information terminal 10 acquired the search area information in step S12. If the information terminal 10 acquired date information in step S12 or a step before or after that, the hydrogen cost indicates the hydrogen cost on the date corresponding to the date information.

[0117] The quantity of environmental value tokens indicates, for example, the quantity of environmental value tokens that will be provided to the user of site A when the user fills up at site A on the day that the information terminal 10 obtained the search area information in step S12. The quantity of environmental value tokens may, for example, be the quantity of environmental value tokens per unit amount related to filling up with hydrogen. Specifically, the quantity of environmental value tokens provided per filling amount (Ygc / kg) is displayed, but for example, the quantity of environmental value tokens provided per filling time (Ygc / h) may also be displayed, or the quantity of environmental value tokens provided per filling (Ygc / times) may also be displayed. Note that, if the information terminal 10 obtains date information in step S12 or a step thereafter, the quantity of environmental value tokens to be provided indicates the quantity of environmental value tokens on the date corresponding to the date information.

[0118] The list may include at least one of the address, the hydrogen cost, and the quantity of environmental value tokens.

[0119] As shown in FIGS. 6B to 6F, the display 11 may also display hydrogen stations 40 within the area on a map.

[0120] 6B , the display 11 may display the location of the hydrogen station 40, the cost of hydrogen, and the number of environmental value tokens to be provided on a map. The location of the hydrogen station 40 on the map is an example of location information. This type of display format is appropriate for users who want to select a hydrogen station 40 taking into consideration both the cost of hydrogen and the number of environmental value tokens to be provided.

[0121] 6C , the display 11 may display the location of the hydrogen station 40 and the number of environmental value tokens to be provided on a map. In this case, the detailed information, which will be described later, may also display the number of environmental value tokens to be provided by the selected hydrogen station 40 and the cost of hydrogen. This type of display format is appropriate for users who prioritize the number of environmental value tokens to be provided over the cost of hydrogen.

[0122] 6D, the display 11 may display the location of the hydrogen station 40 and the hydrogen cost on a map. In this case, the detailed information, which will be described later, may also display the number of environmental value tokens provided by the selected hydrogen station 40 and the hydrogen cost. This type of display format is appropriate for users who prioritize the hydrogen cost over the number of environmental value tokens provided.

[0123] 6E, the display 11 may display on a map the location of the hydrogen station 40 and hydrogen asset information about the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40. In this case, the detailed information, which will be described later, may also display the number of environmental value tokens provided by the selected hydrogen station 40 and the cost of hydrogen. This type of display format is appropriate for users who place a higher priority on the hydrogen asset information about the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40 than on the number of environmental value tokens provided and the cost of hydrogen.

[0124] In this way, the display 11 may display on a map the location of the hydrogen station 40 and at least one of the hydrogen cost, the number of environmental value tokens provided, and hydrogen asset information about the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40. Furthermore, when the operator is prompted to select a hydrogen station 40, the location information may be displayed in text or as a location on a map.

[0125] Furthermore, although not shown, the display 11 may display on a map the location of the hydrogen station 40 and the actual hydrogen cost taking into account the number of environmental value tokens provided. In other words, the display 11 may indirectly display the economic effect corresponding to the number of environmental value tokens provided. In this case, the actual hydrogen cost is calculated, for example, as (hydrogen cost - legal tender equivalent of the number of environmental value tokens).

[0126] Furthermore, the display device 11 may display recommended hydrogen stations 40 that are recommended for use by users in a different display mode from other hydrogen stations 40. In the examples of Figures 6B to 6E, recommended hydrogen stations 40 are indicated by circles with diagonal hatching, and other hydrogen stations 40 are indicated by regular circles without diagonal hatching.

[0127] 6B and 6C show an example in which recommended hydrogen stations 40 are identified based on the number of environmental value tokens provided, and hydrogen stations 40 that provide a large number of environmental value tokens are displayed as recommended. Specifically, of sites A to C, sites A and B are clearly displayed as recommended.

[0128] 6D shows an example in which recommended hydrogen stations 40 are identified based on hydrogen cost, and hydrogen stations 40 with low hydrogen costs are displayed as recommended. Specifically, of sites A to C, sites B and C are clearly displayed as recommended.

[0129] 6E shows an example in which recommended hydrogen stations 40 are identified based on the hydrogen asset information of the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen stations 40, and hydrogen stations 40 with a high ratio of hydrogen sources that contribute to decarbonization (e.g., the ratio of green hydrogen) are recommended. Specifically, of sites A to C, sites A and B are clearly shown as recommended.

[0130] In this way, the server device 20 displays on the display 11 the hydrogen station 40 identified based on at least one of the quantity of environmental value tokens to be provided, the hydrogen cost, and the hydrogen asset information of the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40.

[0131] 6B to 6E, any display mode may be used as long as the recommended hydrogen station 40 is distinguishable from other hydrogen stations 40. For example, the recommended hydrogen station 40 may be displayed more prominently than the other hydrogen stations 40. Examples of the highlighted display include, but are not limited to, displaying the recommended hydrogen station 40 larger or in a different color.

[0132] 6F, the display 11 may display only the recommended hydrogen station 40 among the recommended hydrogen station 40 and other hydrogen stations 40.

[0133] The recommended hydrogen station 40 is identified based on historical information from when the user previously filled (used) hydrogen or made a reservation for filling (reserved use). The historical information includes at least one of the history of the hydrogen cost when filling hydrogen or making a reservation for filling hydrogen, the number of environmental value tokens provided, and the hydrogen asset information of the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40. The recommended hydrogen station 40 is identified based on at least one of the history of the hydrogen cost, the number of environmental value tokens provided, and the hydrogen asset information of the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40, for example.

[0134] The history information when a reservation for hydrogen filling is made can be obtained, for example, based on the details of the reservation made by the user using the information terminal 10. The history information when hydrogen filling is made can be obtained, for example, based on the information processing device of the hydrogen station 40 where hydrogen filling was performed, or the details entered by the user into the information processing device when hydrogen filling was performed at the hydrogen station 40. The information processing device of the hydrogen station 40 transmits, for example, information for identifying the user, the time period during which hydrogen was filled, and the number of environmental value tokens provided at that time to the server device 20. The information for identifying the user may be, for example, the user's ID. The time period during which hydrogen was filled may also be obtained when paying for the amount of hydrogen to be filled.

[0135] For example, when identifying a recommended hydrogen station 40 based on the number of environmental value tokens to be provided, the controller 22 of the server device 20 may identify a hydrogen station 40 that provides a number of environmental value tokens equal to or greater than a reference value calculated based on the history of the number of environmental value tokens to be provided that have been selected by the user in the past as a recommended hydrogen station 40. The reference value may be the average, median, mode, or minimum value of the number of environmental value tokens to be provided that have been selected by the user in the past.

[0136] The hydrogen station information within the area may also include information indicating recommended hydrogen stations 40. The controller 22 may receive in advance from the operator via the information terminal 10 information on which hydrogen station 40 should be recommended for which of the hydrogen cost, the number of environmental value tokens to be provided, and the hydrogen asset information on the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40, and include information for displaying the recommended hydrogen station 40 for the received target in the hydrogen station information within the area. Alternatively, the controller 22 may identify recommended hydrogen stations 40 for each of the hydrogen cost, the number of environmental value tokens to be provided, and the hydrogen asset information on the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40, include the identified information in the hydrogen station information within the area, and allow the operator to select which recommended hydrogen station 40 should be displayed when the information terminal 10 displays the information. Alternatively, the controller 22 may simultaneously display recommended hydrogen stations 40 for each of the hydrogen cost, the number of environmental value tokens to be provided, and the hydrogen asset information on the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40 in different display modes.

[0137] In this way, as shown in steps S12 to S14, when the operator inputs information indicating the area in which to search for hydrogen stations 40, the server device 20 causes the information terminal 10 to display information indicating the number of environmental value tokens that will be provided at at least one hydrogen station 40 present in that area.

[0138] This allows the operator to select a hydrogen station 40 to fill with hydrogen by taking into consideration the number of environmental value tokens provided from each hydrogen station 40, thereby enabling the user to select the most suitable hydrogen station 40. For example, when there are multiple hydrogen stations 40, the user can select a more suitable hydrogen station 40 than when only the number of environmental value tokens provided at one hydrogen station 40 is displayed.

[0139] Furthermore, the server device 20 may also display the location information of each of a plurality of hydrogen stations 40 within the area, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6F.

[0140] 2, after displaying the information on hydrogen stations within the area, the reception unit of the information terminal 10 receives from the operator a selection of a hydrogen station 40 (S15). For example, the reception unit may receive from the operator a selection of one hydrogen station 40, or may receive from the operator a selection of two or more hydrogen stations 40.

[0141] Next, the display 11 displays detailed information about the hydrogen station 40 selected in step S15 (S16).

[0142] 7 is a diagram showing an example of detailed information about the hydrogen station 40 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 7, an example is shown in which site A is selected. The detailed information may be included in the in-area hydrogen station information.

[0143] 7, the display 11 displays detailed information about the hydrogen station of the selected site A. The display 11 displays, as detailed information, the address of site A, the cost of hydrogen, the number of environmental value tokens to be provided, and hydrogen asset information about the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40. For example, the server device 20 may cause the display 11 to display information indicating the number of environmental value tokens to be provided to a user who fills a hydrogen vehicle with hydrogen at at least one hydrogen station 40, and may also cause the display 11 to display information indicating the hydrogen cost at at least one hydrogen station 40.

[0144] In this way, when the operator of the information terminal 10 selects a specific hydrogen station 40 from among at least one hydrogen station 40, the server device 20 causes the display 11 to display information indicating the number of environmental value tokens provided by the selected hydrogen station 40. Furthermore, when the operator of the information terminal 10 selects a specific hydrogen station 40 from among at least one hydrogen station 40, the server device 20 causes the display 11 to display location information of the selected specific hydrogen station 40. Furthermore, when the operator of the information terminal 10 selects a specific hydrogen station 40 from among at least one hydrogen station 40, the server device 20 causes the display 11 to display hydrogen asset information about the hydrogen supplied by the selected specific hydrogen station 40.

[0145] 2 again, next, the reception unit of the display 11 receives a refill reservation (use reservation) from the operator (S17). As the refill reservation, for example, information indicating the time period for refilling is received.

[0146] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation screen of the hydrogen station 40 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 8, a time slot Z1 that has already been reserved is indicated by hatching diagonally downward to the left, and a time slot Z2 reserved by the operator is indicated by hatching diagonally downward to the right. For example, when an operation to proceed to the reservation screen is performed in the display of Fig. 7, the screen transitions to the reservation screen shown in Fig. 8.

[0147] FIG. 8 shows a state in which the operator has made a reservation for time slot Z2, which is an available time slot. For example, when the operator performs an operation to proceed to the reservation screen, the display 11 displays the reserved time slots for which reservations have already been made and the available time slots for which no reservations have been made. The reserved time slots and the available time slots are displayed, for example, in different display modes. Then, when the operator makes a reservation for the available time slot, a reservation is made for time slot Z2, as shown in FIG. 8. This completes the reservation (use reservation) for hydrogen filling at the hydrogen station 40.

[0148] When the reservation for use of the hydrogen station 40 is completed, the information terminal 10 is set to notify the operator that the reserved time zone Z2 is approaching before the reserved time zone Z2 starts.

[0149] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of notification by the information terminal 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0150] 9, information indicating that time slot Z2 is approaching is displayed a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) before the start of time slot Z2. Examples of information indicating that time slot Z2 is approaching include, but are not limited to, information indicating that a reservation has been made to use the hydrogen station 40 during time slot Z2, and information indicating the time remaining until the start of time slot Z2 for which a reservation has been made to use the hydrogen station 40.

[0151] The notification method is not limited to the above-mentioned screen display on the display device 11, but may be sound, light, vibration, or the like from the information terminal 10.

[0152] If the information terminal 10 is a portable information terminal, the above setting for the information terminal 10 when the reservation for use of the hydrogen station 40 is completed may also be made on the information terminal installed in the hydrogen vehicle used by the operator. Specifically, information indicating that the reservation for use of the hydrogen station 40 has been made for time slot Z2 is transmitted to the information terminal installed in the hydrogen vehicle, and based on this received information, the information terminal of the hydrogen vehicle is configured to notify the user of the hydrogen vehicle that time slot Z2 for the reserved use of the hydrogen station 40 is approaching before the start of the reserved time slot Z2. The method of transmitting the above information from the information terminal 10 to the information terminal of the hydrogen vehicle may be direct transmission to the information terminal of the hydrogen vehicle or indirect transmission via an external server. The method of notifying the user of the hydrogen vehicle that time slot Z2 for the reserved use of the hydrogen station 40 is approaching is the same as the method described above via the information terminal 10.

[0153] In the above, an example in which the information shown in Fig. 7 is displayed as detailed information has been described, but the displayed items are not limited to those shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a setting screen for display items of the hydrogen station 40 displayed on the information terminal 10 according to this embodiment.

[0154] As shown in Fig. 9, the display settings for the hydrogen station 40 include check boxes and items, and the operator may select the items to display as detailed information. Fig. 9 shows an example in which, in addition to the normal display settings, token information and hydrogen asset information for the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40 are also displayed. The normal display settings are settings related to the display of information about the hydrogen station 40 other than token information and hydrogen asset information for the hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40, and include, for example, the site name, address, hydrogen cost, and usage reservation status.

[0155] The check result in FIG. 9 corresponds to the detailed information shown in FIG. 7, and since all of the items have been selected, all of the items are displayed as detailed information in FIG.

[0156] By checking the items necessary to identify the hydrogen station 40 where hydrogen will be filled, taking into account the number of environmental value tokens to be provided, the operator can take into account the items that he or she considers important, thereby efficiently selecting the hydrogen station 40.

[0157] The information for displaying information on the checked items in FIG. 9 on the display device 11 may be included in the in-area hydrogen station information.

[0158] The control method of the information terminal 10 may include at least one of the steps shown in FIG. 2 , for example, step S16, in which information indicating the number of environmental value tokens to be provided to a user who fills a hydrogen vehicle with hydrogen is displayed at at least one hydrogen station 40.

[0159] (Other Embodiments) While the control method for the information terminal 10 according to one or more aspects has been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by a person skilled in the art to the present embodiments and embodiments constructed by combining components of different embodiments may also be included in the present disclosure.

[0160] For example, when a user sets a specific hydrogen station as a destination, the display 11 of the information terminal 10 may display the route to the specific hydrogen station.

[0161] 11 to 14 are diagrams showing examples of displays on the information terminal 10 according to other embodiments.

[0162] When the hydrogen site A is selected by the user in step S15, information for confirming whether or not to make the hydrogen site A the destination is displayed on the display 11, as shown in FIG.

[0163] If the user selects to set hydrogen site A as the destination, hydrogen site A is set as the destination, and the route from the current position of the hydrogen vehicle to hydrogen site A is displayed on the map, as shown in FIG.

[0164] Furthermore, when hydrogen site A is set as the destination while the hydrogen vehicle is in automatic operation, information indicating that hydrogen site A has been set as the destination is transmitted to a controller (not shown) that controls the automatic operation of the hydrogen vehicle via a communication device (not shown) of information terminal 10.

[0165] When the controller that controls the automatic driving of the hydrogen vehicle receives the above information via a communication device (not shown) of the hydrogen vehicle, it starts automatic driving with the destination being hydrogen site A. Note that the transmission and reception of the above information between the information terminal 10 and the hydrogen vehicle via their respective communication devices may be performed by wire or wirelessly.

[0166] At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the display 11 of the information terminal 10 displays on a map the route from the current position of the hydrogen vehicle to the hydrogen site A, and also displays that the vehicle is in automatic driving mode.

[0167] The setting of the destination of the charging site is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 11. For example, after the charging site A is selected in step S15, detailed information about the charging site A may be displayed on the display 11 as shown in Fig. 14, and the user may confirm this detailed information and perform an operation to set the charging site A as the destination, thereby setting the charging site A as the destination.

[0168] In the above embodiment, the server device 20 and the hydrogen station management system 30 are separate devices, but the present invention is not limited to this. The server device 20 and the hydrogen station management system 30 may be integrated into one device, or, for example, the server device 20 may be able to execute some of the functions of the hydrogen station management system 30. The server device 20 and the hydrogen station management system 30 may also be implemented as a cloud system.

[0169] 6B to 6F in the above embodiment, the current location of the hydrogen vehicle may be displayed. The current location of the hydrogen vehicle may be obtained from a positioning device such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor mounted on the hydrogen vehicle.

[0170] Furthermore, although an example in which position information is displayed has been described in the above embodiment in FIGS. 6A to 6F, the position information does not have to be displayed.

[0171] In addition, in the above embodiment, if there is only one hydrogen station 40 in the selected area, the server device 20 may skip the displays shown in Figures 6A to 6F and display the detailed information shown in Figure 7 on the display 11.

[0172] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the exchange of environmental value tokens is managed using a distributed ledger, but hydrogen asset information for hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen station 40 may also be managed using a distributed ledger.

[0173] In the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0174] The order in which the steps in the flowchart are executed is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and other orders may be used. Some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps, or some of the steps may not be executed.

[0175] The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to another functional block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or time-shared by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0176] Furthermore, the server device 20 according to the above-described embodiments may be realized as a single device or may be realized by multiple devices. When the server device 20 is realized by multiple devices, the components of the server device 20 may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner. When the server device 20 is realized by multiple devices, the communication method between the multiple devices is not particularly limited, and may be wireless communication or wired communication. Furthermore, wireless communication and wired communication may be combined between the devices.

[0177] Furthermore, each component described in the above embodiments may be implemented as software or, typically, as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These components may be individually integrated into a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single chip. Here, the term "LSI" is used, but depending on the level of integration, it may also be referred to as an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI. Furthermore, the integrated circuit implementation method is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented using a dedicated circuit (a general-purpose circuit that executes a dedicated program) or a general-purpose processor. After LSI fabrication, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections or settings of circuit cells within the LSI may also be used. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or a derivative technology, that technology may naturally be used to integrate the components.

[0178] A system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple processing units on a single chip, and is specifically a computer system comprising a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The ROM stores computer programs. The system LSI achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer programs.

[0179] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure may be a computer program that causes a computer to execute each of the characteristic steps included in the control method for the information terminal 10 shown in FIG. 2 .

[0180] Furthermore, for example, the program may be a program to be executed by a computer. Another aspect of the present disclosure may be a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded. For example, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or circulated. For example, the distributed program may be installed in a device having another processor, and the program may be executed by the processor, thereby causing the device to perform each of the above processes.

[0181] The present disclosure is useful for a control method for an information terminal that displays information about hydrogen stations.

[0182] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Control system 10 Information terminal 11 Display 20 Server device 21, 31 Communication device 22, 32 Controller 23, 33 Memory 30 Hydrogen station management system 40 Hydrogen station 60 Network 100 Hydrogen trading server 110 Hydrogen trading token pool 120 Environmental value token pool 210, 220, 230 Hydrogen production plant 310 Company 320 User 400a, 400b, 400c Ledger server Z1, Z2 Time period

Claims

1. A method for controlling an information terminal that displays, at at least one hydrogen station, information indicating the number of environmental value tokens provided to a user of the hydrogen station who fills a hydrogen vehicle with hydrogen.

2. The method for controlling an information terminal according to claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying information indicating the cost of hydrogen at said at least one hydrogen station.

3. A method for controlling an information terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when an input is received from an operator of the information terminal selecting a specific hydrogen station from among the at least one hydrogen station, information showing the composition ratio of hydrogen sources in the hydrogen supplied by the selected specific hydrogen station is displayed.

4. A control method for an information terminal described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when information indicating an area in which a hydrogen station is to be searched for is input by an operator of the information terminal, information indicating the quantity of the environmental value tokens provided at the at least one hydrogen station present in the area is displayed.

5. A control method for an information terminal described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when information indicating a date to be searched is input by an operator of the information terminal, information indicating the quantity of the environmental value tokens to be provided at the at least one hydrogen station on the date is displayed on the information terminal.

6. A method for controlling an information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the quantity of the environmental value tokens is calculated based on information indicating a composition ratio of hydrogen sources in the supply of hydrogen at least one hydrogen station.

7. A control method for an information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, when an input is received from an operator of the information terminal selecting a specific hydrogen station from among the at least one hydrogen station, location information of the selected specific hydrogen station is displayed.

8. The method for controlling an information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising displaying location information of said at least one hydrogen station.

9. A control method for an information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which causes hydrogen stations recommended for use by the user to be clearly displayed, the hydrogen stations being identified based on the hydrogen costs of hydrogen stations that the user has used or reserved for use.

10. A control method for an information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which causes hydrogen stations recommended for use by the user to be clearly displayed, the hydrogen stations being identified based on the number of environmental value tokens provided at the hydrogen stations that the user has used or reserved for use.

11. A control method for an information terminal as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, which indicates hydrogen stations recommended for use by the user, which are identified based on information indicating the composition ratio of hydrogen sources at hydrogen stations used or reserved for use by the user.

12. A control method for an information terminal described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein when an input is received from an operator of the information terminal to reserve the use of the hydrogen station for a specified period of time, a notification is given before the start of the specified period that the specified period is approaching.

13. A control method for an information terminal described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, when an input is received from an operator of the information terminal to set a specific hydrogen station among the at least one hydrogen station as a destination, a route to the specific hydrogen station is displayed.

14. A control method for an information terminal described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, when the user sets a specific hydrogen station among the at least one hydrogen station as a destination, information indicating that the specific hydrogen station has been set as the destination is transmitted to a controller of the electric vehicle during autonomous driving.

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