Information providing device, information providing method, and information providing program

Abstract

An information providing device (10) includes an order management unit (122), an actual result management unit (124), and a tracking information management unit (125). The order management unit (122) manages information relating to resource collection and shipping orders. The actual result management unit (124) manages the actual results of transportation of resources to a processing facility, performed in accordance with orders, and the actual results of the processing of resources at the processing facility. The tracking information management unit (125) creates data indicating the flow of resource discharge, transportation, and processing on the basis of the information managed by the order management unit (122) and the actual results managed by the actual result management unit (124).

Description

Information providing device, information providing method, and information providing program

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

[0002] There is a shift from a linear economy, which is a one-way economic and social activity in which products are manufactured from raw materials and then discarded after use, to a circular economy, which uses resources in a sustainable manner by, for example, recycling used products (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] For example, in relation to the circular economy, a technology has been proposed for acquiring carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during the manufacturing process of a product (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-189566

[0005] 2021 White Paper on the Environment, Recycling-Based Society, and Biodiversity: Towards a Circular Economy, [online], [Retrieved November 6, 2023], Internet (https: / / www.env.go.jp / policy / hakusyo / r03 / html / hj21010202.html)

[0006] When buildings and structures are demolished, waste materials such as scrap iron are generated. By collecting these waste materials and processing them in an electric furnace or similar, it is possible to manufacture new products. In other words, the waste materials generated during the demolition of buildings and structures are recycled. Furthermore, recycling of waste materials involves multiple processes, such as collection, transportation, and processing of the waste materials.

[0007] Conventional technology has the problem that it is difficult to achieve traceability from resources to products.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the information providing device is characterized by having an order management unit that manages information regarding orders for collection and shipping of resources, a performance management unit that manages the results of transportation of the resources to processing facilities carried out in accordance with the orders and the results of processing of the resources at the processing facilities, and a tracking information management unit that creates data showing the flow of discharge, transportation, and processing of the resources based on the information managed by the order management unit and the results managed by the performance management unit.

[0009] According to the present invention, traceability from resources to products can be achieved.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user table. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle table. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an order table. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a plan table. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a performance table. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a resource table. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a status management table. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an order registration screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a parcel registration screen. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an order list screen (orderer side). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an order list screen (receiver side). FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an order confirmation screen. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a batch vehicle dispatch screen. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a vehicle dispatch schedule screen (driver side). FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a vehicle dispatch schedule screen (administrator side). FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a traceability screen. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a traceability breakdown screen. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of order management processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of performance management processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of tracking information management processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a GHG (greenhouse gas) emission confirmation screen according to the second embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of GHG emission amount presentation processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of matching processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of prediction processing according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of prediction processing according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a computer that executes an information provision program.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of an information providing device, an information providing method, and an information providing program according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0012] [First embodiment] [Configuration of first embodiment] First, the configuration of an information providing device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information providing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the information providing system 1 includes an information providing device 10, a terminal 20a, a terminal 20b, and a terminal 20c.

[0013] The information providing system 1 is a system for supporting operations related to the recycling of waste materials generated during the demolition of buildings, etc. In the following description, the waste materials are referred to as resources. For example, the resources are scrap iron generated during the demolition of buildings, etc.

[0014] It should be noted that resources are not limited to scrap iron generated during the demolition of buildings, etc. Resources may also be waste generated from households, businesses, etc. Resources may also be metal products, concrete, plastic products (including PET bottles), wood, paper, etc. Resources include all recyclable materials.

[0015] In the first embodiment, the entities involved in recycling resources are a resource waste business, a transport business, and a recycling business.

[0016] The resource discharge business is a construction company, a demolition contractor, or the like. The resource discharge business demolishes buildings and the like. The resource discharge business requests (orders) the collection and shipping of resources from demolition sites. User Ua in FIG. 1 belongs to the resource discharge business. The terminal 20a is used by user Ua.

[0017] A transport company transports waste materials using transport equipment such as trucks. For example, resources are collected from a demolition site and transported to a processing facility such as an electric furnace. User Ub in FIG. 1 belongs to the transport company. Terminal 20b is used by user Ub. User Ub may be a truck driver.

[0018] A recycling business receives an order placed by a resource discharge business. After receiving the order, the recycling business may request a transport business to collect and ship (including transport) the resources. The transport business and the recycling business may be the same business. The recycling business may manufacture products from the collected resources by using its own processing facilities or by requesting other businesses (such as electric furnace manufacturers or steel manufacturers).

[0019] 1, the information providing device 10 is connected to terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c via a network N (e.g., the Internet). The terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c are, for example, personal computers and smartphones. The terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c may be referred to as terminals 20 without distinction. The information providing device 10 is, for example, a server.

[0020] The information providing device 10 acquires information from the terminal 20. The information providing device 10 also provides information to the terminal 20. The information providing device 10 can provide information by displaying a screen on the terminal 20. For example, the information providing device 10 displays a screen as a web page on a web browser of the terminal 20, and acquires information input via the screen.

[0021] The configuration of the information providing device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information providing device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the information providing device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13.

[0022] The communication unit 11 performs data communication with other devices via a network. For example, the communication unit 11 is a network interface card (NIC).

[0023] The control unit 12 controls the entire information providing device 10. The control unit 12 is, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 12 also has an internal memory for storing programs that define various processing procedures and control data, and executes each process using the internal memory. The control unit 12 also functions as various processing units by running various programs.

[0024] For example, the control unit 12 has an order receiving unit 121, an order management unit 122, a performance receiving unit 123, a performance management unit 124, a tracking information management unit 125, and an output control unit 126. Note that each processing unit included in the control unit 12 will be outlined here, and will be described in detail later together with specific data flows.

[0025] The order receiving unit 121 receives input of orders. The order management unit 122 manages information related to orders for collection and shipping of discarded resources based on the information received by the order receiving unit 121. For example, the order management unit 122 registers, updates, deletes, etc. data related to orders.

[0026] The result receiving unit 123 receives input of results. The result management unit 124 manages the results of transporting resources to processing facilities in response to orders and the results of processing resources at processing facilities, based on the information received by the result receiving unit 123. For example, the result management unit 124 registers, updates, deletes, etc. data related to the results.

[0027] The tracking information management unit 125 manages information for tracking changes in the status of resources. For example, the tracking information management unit 125 registers, updates, deletes, etc. data related to the status of resources based on data related to orders and performance.

[0028] The output control unit 126 causes the terminal 20 to output information. For example, the output control unit 126 causes the terminal 20 to display a screen for displaying information based on data managed in the information providing device 10.

[0029] The control unit 12 may also have functions other than those realized by the processing unit described here. For example, the control unit 12 may have a master maintenance function for maintaining each table that functions as a master.

[0030] The storage unit 13 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an optical disk, etc. Note that the storage unit 13 may also be a data-rewritable semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, or a non-volatile static random access memory (NVSRAM). The storage unit 13 stores an operating system (OS) and various programs executed by the information providing device 10.

[0031] The storage unit 13 stores a user table 131, a vehicle table 132, an order table 133, a plan table 134, a performance table 135, a resource table 136, and a status management table 137. Each table will be described below. The column (item) and field values ​​of the tables shown in the drawings are examples.

[0032] The user table 131 stores user information. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the user table. The user table 131 has columns such as "user ID," "email address," "name," "organization," "role," "group," and "telephone number."

[0033] "User ID" is an ID that identifies a user. "Email address" is the user's email address. "Name" is the user's name. "Organization" is the organization to which the user belongs. "Role" is the user's role. "Group" is the group into which the organization to which the user belongs is classified.

[0034] The registration, update, and deletion of each record in the user table 131 are performed by the system operator via the master maintenance function provided by the information providing device 10 .

[0035] For example, FIG. 3 shows that a user with user ID "U004" has an email address of "user4@test.com," a name of "Sato Shiro," an organization of "Recycler D," a role of "Driver," a group of "Group β," and a telephone number of "1234-5678."

[0036] The vehicle table 132 holds information about vehicles. A vehicle is a truck or the like used to transport resources. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the vehicle table. As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle table 132 has columns such as "Vehicle ID," "Vehicle Name," "Vehicle Type," "Vehicle Affiliation," "Start Point," "End Point," "Driver," and "Affiliated Group."

[0037] "Vehicle ID" is an ID that identifies the vehicle. "Vehicle name" is the name of the vehicle. "Vehicle type" is the type (kind) of the vehicle. "Vehicle affiliation" is the business operator to which the vehicle belongs. "Departure point" is the point from which the vehicle starts moving when starting to transport resources. "End point" is the point to which the vehicle moves after completing the transportation of resources. "Driver" is the driver assigned to the vehicle. "Affiliated group" is the group to which the organization to which the driver belongs is classified.

[0038] The registration, update, and deletion of each record in the vehicle table 132 are performed by the system operator via a master maintenance function provided by the information providing device 10. A driver is a user whose "role" in the user table 131 is "driver."

[0039] For example, Figure 4 shows that the name of a vehicle with vehicle ID "V001" is "2T Wing - Tokyo No. 001," the vehicle type is "2T Wing," the organization to which it belongs is "Recycling Company D," the starting point is "Point P01," the ending point is "Point P11," the driver is "U004," and the group to which it belongs is "Group β."

[0040] The order table 133 stores information about orders. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the order table. As shown in Fig. 5, the order table 133 has columns such as "order ID," "order status," "requester," "location," "desired delivery date and time," "order date and time," "vehicle ID," and "resource ID."

[0041] "Order ID" is an ID that identifies the order. "Order status" is information that indicates the status of the order. "Requester" is the business operator (orderer) that placed the order. "Location" is the location where the resources will be collected. "Desired delivery date and time" is the date and time when the resources are desired to be collected and shipped by a vehicle. "Order date and time" is the date and time when the order was placed. "Vehicle ID" is an ID that identifies the vehicle that will collect and ship the resources. "Resource ID" is an ID that identifies the resource to be collected.

[0042] The order management unit 122 registers each record in the order table 133 based on order-related information input to the information providing device 10. The order-related information is information input by, for example, a user of a resource waste business operator. The order management unit 122 also updates each record in the order table 133 in response to changes in the status of an order.

[0043] The order management section 122 sets the order status to "unconfirmed" when an order is placed, updates the order status to "confirmed" when the order is confirmed, and updates the order status to "dispatched" when the vehicle dispatch according to the order is completed.

[0044] For example, Figure 5 shows that the order status of an order with order ID "C001" is "Unconfirmed", the requester is "E Co., Ltd.", the location is "Tokyo Center," the desired delivery date and time is "2023 / 11 / 1 9:00-18:00," the vehicle ID is "V004," and the resource ID is "R001."

[0045] The plan table 134 contains information about a plan that combines multiple orders into one. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the plan table. As shown in Fig. 6, the plan table 134 has columns such as "plan ID," "plan name," and "order ID."

[0046] "Plan ID" is an ID that identifies a plan. "Plan Name" is the name of the plan. "Order ID" is one or more IDs that identify the orders included in the plan.

[0047] The order management unit 122 can create one record in the plan table 134 by grouping together multiple order IDs that share the same requester, location, desired delivery date and time, etc.

[0048] For example, Figure 6 shows a plan with a plan ID of "P001", a plan name of "Delivery Route 1", and order IDs of "C001", "C002", "C003", "C004", "C005", "C006", and "C007".

[0049] The track record table 135 stores information related to track records. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the track record table. As shown in Fig. 7, the track record table 135 has columns such as "Vehicle ID," "Destination," "Status," "Order ID," "Classification," "Arrival Date and Time," "Distance," and "Cargo ID."

[0050] Here, each record in the achievement table 135 corresponds to an achievement. "Vehicle ID" is an ID that identifies the vehicle. "Destination" is the location visited by the vehicle. "Status" is the status of the achievement. "Order ID" is the ID of the order corresponding to the achievement. "Category" is the category of the achievement. "Arrival date and time" is the date and time when the vehicle arrived at the destination. "Distance" is the distance traveled by the vehicle. "Parcel ID" is the resource ID of the parcel (resource) associated with the achievement. The "Parcel ID" is the same as the "Resource ID" in the order table 133.

[0051] The performance management unit 124 registers each record in the performance table 135 based on the performance-related information input to the information providing device 10. The performance-related information is information input by users such as resource waste disposal businesses, transport businesses, or recycling businesses. The performance management unit 124 also updates each record in the performance table 135 in response to the input of the performance.

[0052] 7, when an order is placed, the result management unit 124 registers as records the result of the vehicle departing from the departure point (category: departure point) (line 1), the result of loading resources onto the vehicle at a dismantling site or the like (category: loading depot) in accordance with the order (lines 2, 3, 4, and 6), the result of taking a break (line 5), the result of unloading the loaded resources at a processing facility or the like (category: collection depot) (line 7), and the result of the vehicle arriving at the end point (category: destination point) (line 8). At this point, the "status" of each result is a value indicating incompletion ("not departed," "not loaded," "not unloaded," "not rested," or "not arrived").

[0053] For example, when information indicating that vehicle "V001" has departed from the departure point is input, the result management unit 124 updates the "status" in the first line from "not departed" to "departed." Furthermore, when information indicating that vehicle "V001" has loaded resource "R001" at "center J1" specified in order "C001" is input, the result management unit 124 updates the "status" in the second line from "not loaded" to "loaded." Furthermore, when information indicating that vehicle "V001" has unloaded resource at "center M1," which is a processing facility or the like, is input, the result management unit 124 updates the "status" in the seventh line from "not unloaded" to "unloaded."

[0054] The resource table 136 holds information about resources. Fig. 8 shows an example of the resource table. The resource table 136 has columns such as "resource ID," "resource type," "resource amount," "resource location," and "status."

[0055] "Resource ID" is an ID that identifies a resource. "Resource type" is the type of resource. "Resource quantity" is the quantity of the resource. "Resource location" is the location of the resource. "Status" is the status of the resource.

[0056] The order management unit 122 registers records in the resource table 136 based on information about orders entered by resource waste businesses. The performance management unit 124 updates each record in the resource table 136 in response to changes in resources. The performance management unit 124 updates the "status" in response to the process performed on the resource.

[0057] When an order is placed, the order management unit 122 sets the status to "not received" or "received." "Not received" means that the resource is not ready to be loaded by a vehicle. "Received" means that the resource is ready to be loaded by a vehicle. When the resource is loaded by a vehicle, the performance management unit 124 updates the status to "released."

[0058] For example, FIG. 8 shows that the type of resource with resource ID "R001" is "iron scrap," the quantity is "10,000 kg," the location is "Center J1," and the status is "stored."

[0059] The status management table 137 holds information about the status of resources. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the status management table. As shown in Fig. 9, the status management table 137 has columns such as "resource management ID," "resource ID," "process," and "processing date and time."

[0060] A "resource management ID" is an ID that identifies a series of processes. A "resource ID" is an ID that identifies a resource. A "resource management ID" and a "resource ID" may have a one-to-many relationship. A "process" is a process performed on a resource. A "processing date and time" is the date and time when the process was performed.

[0061] The tracking information management unit 125 references the record table 135 and the resource table 136 to acquire the status of resources. Fig. 7 shows the record from when resources are loaded to when they are unloaded at a processing facility or the like. The details of the processing that is then performed at the processing facility (separation processing, processing, crushing processing, compression processing, etc.) are further recorded in the record table 135. By referencing the record table 135, the tracking information management unit 125 can acquire what processing has been performed on the resources.

[0062] The tracking information management unit 125 registers the date and time of completion in the "processing date and time" field of the record of the completed process. For example, Fig. 9 shows that the processes for resource "R001" have been completed: "collection" (loading), "unloading" (unloading), "sorting", "transportation", and "separation processing".

[0063] The following describes the screens that the output control unit 126 causes to be displayed on the terminal 20. The information providing device 10 can not only output information via the screens, but also accept information input via the screens. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, each screen shown in the drawings is a screen that the output control unit 126 causes to be displayed on the terminal 20.

[0064] 10 is a diagram showing an order registration screen. The order registration screen 311 can accept input of information related to an order from, for example, a user of a resource waste disposal business. The order reception unit 121 passes the information entered in the basic order information and package information fields on the order registration screen 311 to the order management unit 122. The order management unit 122 registers a record created based on the information passed from the order reception unit 121 in the order table 133.

[0065] When the add package button on the order registration screen 311 is pressed, the output control unit 126 displays a package registration screen 312. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the package registration screen.

[0066] The package registration screen 312 accepts input of information related to packages (resources). The order reception unit 121 passes the information related to resources entered on the package registration screen 312 to the order management unit 122. The order management unit 122 creates a record in the resource table 136 based on the information passed from the order reception unit 121. Furthermore, the order management unit 122 registers a resource ID that identifies the resource in the order table 133 in association with the order ID.

[0067] 12 is a diagram showing the order list screen (orderer side). The order list screen 321 displays the contents of the order table 133. The user, who is the orderer, the resource waste business operator, can check the status of the order by looking at the order list screen 321. Furthermore, when the edit button on the order list screen 321 is pressed, the screen transitions to the order registration screen 311. Furthermore, when the delete button on the order list screen 321 is pressed, the corresponding record is deleted from the order table 133.

[0068] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the order list screen (recipient side). The order list screen 322 displays the contents of the order table 133. The user, who is the recipient of the order, a recycling business, can check the status of the order by looking at the order list screen 322. Furthermore, when the Confirm button on the order list screen 322 is pressed, the order management unit 122 updates the order status in the order table 133 from "unconfirmed" to "confirmed." When the order status is "confirmed," editing and deletion on the order list screen 321 are disabled, and the order becomes eligible for dispatch, as described below.

[0069] Additionally, each value in the "Order ID" column on the order list screen 322 is a clickable hyperlink. When the hyperlink of the order ID is clicked, an order confirmation screen 323 is displayed. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the order confirmation screen. On the order confirmation screen 323, the details of the order are confirmed and confirmed.

[0070] After an order is confirmed, the order management unit 122 performs vehicle allocation. Vehicle allocation is the process of allocating a vehicle to each order. That is, the order management unit 122 determines from among multiple vehicles which vehicle will collect and ship the resources and transport them to the processing facility based on the conditions specified in the order. By automatically allocating vehicles in this way, collection and shipping of resources can begin promptly after receiving an order.

[0071] The order management unit 122 collectively dispatches vehicles for multiple orders in response to an operation on a collective vehicle dispatch screen 324 shown in Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the collective vehicle dispatch screen. As shown in Fig. 6, the order management unit 122 can collectively compile multiple confirmed orders into a plan.

[0072] For example, when the vehicle dispatch execution button in FIG. 15 is pressed, the order management unit 122 requests an external system that manages the status of the transportation company's vehicles to execute vehicle dispatch processing. In this case, the order management unit 122 transmits information about the orders included in the "Delivery Route 1" plan to the external system and executes a predetermined API (Application Programming Interface). As a result, information identifying the vehicle assigned to each order (vehicle ID) or information identifying the vehicle driver (user ID) is returned from the external system. In this way, the order management unit 122 can dispatch vehicles using SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0073] Here, the order management unit 122 registers the driver's user ID returned from the external system in the column “driver” of the order table 133 .

[0074] The driver of the vehicle assigned to the order by dispatch can check the status of the order assigned to him / her via the dispatch schedule screen 331. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the dispatch schedule screen (driver's side). The dispatch schedule screen 331 displays the contents of the performance table 135.

[0075] The driver also inputs his / her actual results via the vehicle allocation schedule screen 331. The result management unit 124 updates the status in accordance with the driver's input.

[0076] 17 is a diagram showing the vehicle allocation schedule screen (manager side). The manager can check the status of orders assigned to multiple drivers via the vehicle allocation schedule screen 332.

[0077] 18 is a diagram showing the traceability screen. The traceability screen 341 is a screen for searching for resources that have been transported and processed, and displaying a list of the resources together with images. When any of the resources displayed on the traceability screen 341 is pressed, the screen transitions to a traceability breakdown screen.

[0078] 19 is a diagram showing a traceability breakdown screen. The traceability breakdown screen 342 is a screen that shows details of processing performed on a resource. The output control unit 126 can create the traceability breakdown screen 342 by referring to the status management table 137.

[0079] FIG. 19 shows an example in which the type of resource is a PET bottle, but the type of resource may also be scrap iron or the like.

[0080] 19 shows that of the 300 kg of PET bottles, resource "R210," 100 kg became discarded plastic material (resource "R212") and 200 kg became crushed plastic granules (resource "R211"). Also, FIG. 19 shows that resource "R214" and separately obtained resource "R215" were processed to become 200 kg of plastic products, resource "R216."

[0081] [Processing of the First Embodiment] Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of order management processing according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 20, first, the order management unit 122 accepts input of order information (step S111). For example, the order management unit 122 accepts input of order information via the order registration screen 311.

[0082] Next, the order management unit 122 registers the order information in the order table 133 (step S112). Then, the order management unit 122 executes a vehicle dispatch process (step S113). At this time, the order management unit 122 may execute an API to an external system based on the order table 133.

[0083] Then, the order management unit 122 registers the vehicle dispatch information in the order table 133 (step S114). For example, the order management unit 122 updates the column "driver" in the order table 133.

[0084] 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the performance management process according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, the performance management unit 124 first accepts input of performance information (step S121). For example, the performance management unit 124 accepts input of performance information via the vehicle allocation schedule screen 331.

[0085] Then, the result management unit 124 registers the result information in the result table 135 (step S122). For example, the result management unit 124 updates the column "status" in the result table 135.

[0086] 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of tracking information management processing according to the first embodiment. For example, the tracking information management unit 125 executes the tracking information management processing when registration is made in the performance record table 135 or when instructed by the user.

[0087] 22, first, the tracking information management unit 125 acquires a track record corresponding to a package (resource) from the track record table 135 (step S131). For example, the tracking information management unit 125 can obtain a track record for each resource by searching the track record table 135 using a package ID (which is also the resource ID).

[0088] Next, the tracing information management unit 125 registers the status of each resource in the status management table 137 based on the acquired results (step S132). Furthermore, the output control unit 126 displays the traceability screen 341 based on the status management table 137 (step S133).

[0089] In this way, the tracking information management unit 125 can create data (e.g., status management table 137) showing the flow of resource discharge, transportation, and processing based on the information (e.g., order table 133, etc.) managed by the order management unit 122 and the results (e.g., results table 135) managed by the results management unit 124.

[0090] In particular, the results table 135 and the status management table 137 show the status of resources at each recycling process. Therefore, the information providing device 10 makes it possible to grasp the overall flow of waste materials until they are made into products.

[0091] 7, the status at "center M1" is "unloaded." After that, when resources "R001," "R011," "R012," and "R013" are unloaded at "center M1," the tracking information management unit 125 updates the "package ID" of the record corresponding to "center M1" in FIG. 7 to "R001, R011, R012, R013" in accordance with the input of performance information.

[0092] Furthermore, when each resource is processed at a processing facility, the tracking information management unit 125 adds a record indicating the results of each processing to the results table 135 along with the resource ID of the resource being processed, in accordance with the input of performance information.

[0093] This allows the tracking information management unit 125 to track the loading, unloading, and subsequent processing of each resource by referring to the performance record table 135.

[0094] 19, there are cases where a resource is divided into multiple pieces (1 to n), and cases where multiple resources are integrated (n to 1). There are also cases where a resource is divided into multiple pieces and transported, and cases where multiple resources are integrated and transported. Therefore, the performance management unit 124 records the history of resource division and integration in the performance table 135 or another table.

[0095] For example, a column for recording division and integration of resources may be provided in the performance record table 135. In this case, the performance record management unit 124 records division and integration in the column in accordance with the following notation rules.

[0096] (Split notation rules) When resource "R210" is split, and one part becomes "R211" through process "P00001", and the remaining part becomes "R212", the result management unit 124 will notate it as "R210->R211 (P00001), R212".

[0097] (Notation Rules for Integration) When "R214" and "R215" are integrated into "R216" by the process "P00003", the result management unit 124 will write "R214, R215->R216 (P00003)."

[0098] By determining the notation rules in this way, the tracing information management unit 125 can trace the division and integration of resources based on the performance table 135. As a result, according to the first embodiment, traceability including the division and integration of resources is realized.

[0099] The configuration of the information providing device 10 in the following embodiments is common to that of the first embodiment. The following embodiments can be realized by adding functions to the first embodiment.

[0100] Second Embodiment The information providing device 10 can visualize the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions emitted during the transportation and processing of resources, etc. Here, an example will be described in which the information providing device 10 visualizes the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, which is GHG.

[0101] 23 is a diagram showing a GHG emission amount confirmation screen according to the second embodiment. The output control unit 126 causes the terminal 20 to display a GHG emission amount confirmation screen 343 based on the information stored in the storage unit 13.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 23, the GHG emission confirmation screen 343 displays input and output information for resources. The input and output information is information on resources (input) generated as waste materials and products (output) obtained by recycling the resources. Fig. 23 shows that 10,000 kg of iron scrap, resource "R001," was input, and 7,000 kg of iron bar (an example of a product), resource "R910," was obtained through recycling.

[0103] Here, the output control unit 126 acquires information about the transportation and processing of resources from the performance table 135. Then, the output control unit 126 estimates the amount of carbon dioxide generated during the transportation and processing based on the acquired information.

[0104] For example, the type (kind) of vehicle used in transportation and the distance traveled are recorded in the performance table 135. Furthermore, for example, the processing and the amount of resources processed are recorded in the performance table 135. Furthermore, it is assumed that a method for calculating the amount of carbon dioxide emissions according to the travel distance for each vehicle type and a method for calculating the amount of carbon dioxide emissions for the amount of resources for each type of processing (crushing, compression, etc.) are determined in advance.

[0105] Therefore, the output control unit 126 can calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in recycling (transportation and processing) resources according to a predetermined calculation method.

[0106] 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of the GHG emission amount presentation process according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, first, the output control unit 126 acquires information related to the transportation of resources (step S201). The output control unit 126 also acquires information related to the processing of resources (step S202). For example, the output control unit 126 can acquire information from the performance table 135 and the status management table 137.

[0107] Next, the output control unit 126 calculates the carbon dioxide emission amount based on the acquired information (step S203). Then, the output control unit 126 displays the carbon dioxide emission amount for each resource (step S204). For example, the output control unit 126 displays a GHG emission amount confirmation screen 343.

[0108] [Third embodiment] The information providing device 10 provides a marketplace function and a matching function to support the establishment and settlement of transactions between an orderer (e.g., a resource waste disposal business) and a recipient (e.g., a recycling business).

[0109] The ordering party is the party requesting the collection and shipping of resources, and is also the supplier of the resources. Therefore, an order from the ordering party is also a proposal to supply resources. The receiving party is the party that pays the fee to collect and ship the resources, and is also the consumer of the resources.

[0110] The marketplace function is a function that presents orders placed by orderers to sellers and accepts orders from sellers. The marketplace function may also be a function that presents conditions set by sellers regarding the quantity of resources, transportation, etc. to orderers and accepts orders from orderers.

[0111] 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of matching processing according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 25, first, the output control unit 126 displays a list of orders that match the conditions presented by the orderer (step S301).

[0112] For example, the output control unit 126 displays an order list screen 322 on the contractor's terminal 20. At this time, an order acceptance button is displayed on the order list screen 322 instead of a confirmation button. The contractor submits conditions such as the location and desired delivery date and time. The contractor can narrow down the conditions using the order list screen 322.

[0113] Next, the order management unit 122 accepts the selection of an order by the seller (step S302). For example, the seller selects an order by pressing the "Receive Order" button on the order list screen 322.

[0114] Next, the order management unit 122 receives the acceptance of the orderer (step S303). For example, when the order is selected by the order receiver, the order management unit 122 notifies the orderer's terminal 20 that the order has been received.

[0115] When the orderer accepts the order via the terminal 20, the order management unit 122 executes a settlement process (step S304). The settlement process is a process of requesting a system provided by, for example, a bank to transfer the fee from the orderer's account to the orderer's account.

[0116] Thereafter, the output control unit 126 notifies the orderer and the order recipient that the order has been received (step S305).

[0117] Furthermore, the information providing device 10 may present the conditions (type of resource, quantity, available date and time, price, etc.) presented by the contractor to an unspecified number of orderers. If the orderer wishes to place an order under the conditions presented by the contractor, the orderer notifies the information providing device 10 of this via a screen or the like.

[0118] In this way, the information providing device 10 provides a marketplace function by disclosing the conditions presented by the orderer or the seller, encouraging the conclusion of the transaction, and further performing payment processing if the transaction is concluded.

[0119] Furthermore, the information providing device 10 may automatically determine as a trading partner a supplier that meets the conditions presented by an orderer, or an orderer that meets the conditions presented by a supplier (matching function).The information providing device 10 can use the matching function to identify a supplier that can accept an order from among multiple candidate supplier candidates, based on information related to resource collection and shipping orders.

[0120] Furthermore, for example, the information providing device 10 acquires, from the contractor, the type, quantity, and price of resources to be collected as conditions. Furthermore, when an order that matches the conditions is placed by the orderer, the information providing device 10 notifies the contractor that an order that matches the conditions has been placed.

[0121] The marketplace function and matching function enable efficient transactions that meet the wishes of the orderer and the seller.

[0122] [Fourth Embodiment] The information providing device 10 (tracking information management unit 125) predicts information regarding future resource collection and shipping orders based on at least one of information managed by the order management unit 122 (e.g., order table 133), results managed by the results management unit 124 (e.g., results table 135), and external information acquired from other devices. For example, the information providing device 10 predicts future orders and orders. Also, for example, the information providing device 10 predicts the transportation capacity of resources that will be required in the future.

[0123] A process of predicting future orders and received orders by the information providing device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of the prediction process according to the fourth embodiment.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 26 , first, the tracking information management unit 125 accepts input of external information related to the demand and supply of resources (step S401). For example, the external information may be the current time (whether it is the end of the year or the end of the fiscal year, etc.), the season, the weather (bad weather, good weather), fluctuations in the market price of resources, or a specific event (the Olympics, etc.). The external information may also be a resource transaction history accumulated by a company that may be an orderer or a seller. The tracking information management unit 125 may acquire the external information from an external server connected via a network N.

[0125] The tracking information management unit 125 predicts future orders and receipts based on the input information (step S402), and the output control unit 126 outputs the prediction results (step S403).

[0126] For example, the tracking information management unit 125 inputs external information into a trained machine learning model and predicts whether an order for resource collection and shipping will be placed at a specified date and time in the future, and whether the order will be accepted.

[0127] A process of predicting the transportation capacity of resources that will be required in the future by the information providing device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 27. Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of the prediction process according to the fourth embodiment.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 27, first, the tracking information management unit 125 receives input of conditions related to the generation of resources and the transportation of resources (step S411).

[0129] The tracking information management unit 125 predicts the amount of resources generated and the required transportation capacity for each fixed period (e.g., one day or one month) based on the input information (step S412). The output control unit 126 outputs the prediction result (step S413).

[0130] For example, the tracking information management unit 125 inputs the input information into a trained machine learning model and predicts the amount of resources that will be discharged as waste in a specified future period and the number of vehicles required to transport the resources for recycling.

[0131] [System Configuration, etc.] The components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional units and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. Furthermore, all or any part of the processing functions performed by each device can be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware using wired logic. The program may be executed not only by the CPU but also by other processors such as a GPU.

[0132] Furthermore, among the processes described in this embodiment, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method.In addition, the information including the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified.

[0133] [Program] In one embodiment, the information providing device 10 can be implemented by installing an information providing program that executes the above-described learning process as package software or online software on a desired computer. For example, by executing the above-described information providing program on an information processing device, the information processing device can function as the information providing device 10. The information processing device referred to here includes desktop and notebook personal computers. Other information processing devices also include mobile communication terminals such as smartphones, mobile phones, and PHS (Personal Handyphone Systems), as well as slate terminals such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants).

[0134] The information providing device 10 may also be implemented as a server device that provides services related to the above-described processes to a client terminal device used by a user. For example, the server device may be implemented as a server device that receives order information and performance information as input and outputs various screens. In this case, the server device may be implemented as a web server or as a cloud that provides services related to the above-described processes through outsourcing.

[0135] 28 is a diagram showing an example of a computer that executes an information provision program. The computer 1000 includes, for example, a memory 1010 and a CPU 1020. The computer 1000 also includes a hard disk drive interface 1030, a disk drive interface 1040, a serial port interface 1050, a video adapter 1060, and a network interface 1070. These components are connected by a bus 1080.

[0136] The memory 1010 includes a read-only memory (ROM) 1011 and a random access memory (RAM) 1012. The ROM 1011 stores a boot program such as a basic input / output system (BIOS). The hard disk drive interface 1030 is connected to a hard disk drive 1090. The disk drive interface 1040 is connected to a disk drive 1100. A removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk or optical disk is inserted into the disk drive 1100. The serial port interface 1050 is connected to a mouse 1110 and a keyboard 1120, for example. The video adapter 1060 is connected to a display 1130, for example.

[0137] The hard disk drive 1090 stores, for example, an OS 1091, an application program 1092, a program module 1093, and program data 1094. That is, the program that defines each process of the information providing device 10 is implemented as a program module 1093 in which computer-executable code is written. The program module 1093 is stored, for example, in the hard disk drive 1090. For example, the program module 1093 for executing processes similar to those of the functional configuration of the information providing device 10 is stored in the hard disk drive 1090. Note that the hard disk drive 1090 may be replaced with an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0138] Furthermore, setting data used in the processing of the above-described embodiment is stored as program data 1094, for example, in the memory 1010 or the hard disk drive 1090. Then, the CPU 1020 reads the program module 1093 or the program data 1094 stored in the memory 1010 or the hard disk drive 1090 into the RAM 1012 as necessary, and executes the processing of the above-described embodiment.

[0139] The program module 1093 and program data 1094 may not necessarily be stored in the hard disk drive 1090, but may also be stored in a removable storage medium and read by the CPU 1020 via the disk drive 1100 or the like. Alternatively, the program module 1093 and program data 1094 may be stored in another computer connected via a network (such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)). The program module 1093 and program data 1094 may then be read by the CPU 1020 from the other computer via the network interface 1070.

[0140] 1 Information provision system 10 Information provision device 11 Communication unit 12 Control unit 13 Memory unit 20, 20a, 20b, 20c Terminal 121 Order reception unit 122 Order management unit 123 Achievement reception unit 124 Achievement management unit 125 Tracking information management unit 126 Output control unit 131 User table 132 Vehicle table 133 Order table 134 Planning table 135 Achievement table 136 Resource table 137 Status management table 311 Order registration screen 312 Baggage registration screen 321 Order list screen 322 Order list screen 323 Order confirmation screen 324 Bulk vehicle dispatch screen 331 Vehicle dispatch schedule screen 332 Vehicle dispatch schedule screen 341 Traceability screen 342 Traceability details screen

Claims

1. An information providing device comprising: an order management unit that manages information regarding orders for collection and shipping of resources; a performance management unit that manages the results of transportation of the resources to processing facilities carried out in accordance with the orders and the results of processing of the resources at the processing facilities; and a tracking information management unit that creates data showing the flow of discharge, transportation, and processing of the resources based on the information managed by the order management unit and the results managed by the performance management unit.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tracking information management unit creates the data indicating that the resource has been divided into multiple resources and that the resource has been integrated with other resources through processing at the processing facility.

3. The information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising an output control unit that displays on a screen the information indicated by the data created by the tracking information management unit.

4. An information provision method executed by an information provision device, comprising: an order management process for managing information relating to orders for collection and shipping of resources; a performance management process for managing the results of transportation of the resources to a processing facility carried out in accordance with the orders and the results of processing of the resources at the processing facility; and a tracking information management process for creating data showing the flow of discharge, transportation, and processing of the resources based on the information managed by the order management process and the results managed by the performance management process.

5. An information provision program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: an order management step that manages information regarding orders for collection and shipping of resources; a performance management step that manages the actual results of transportation of the resources to processing facilities in accordance with the orders and the actual results of processing of the resources at the processing facilities; and a tracking information management step that creates data showing the flow of discharge, transportation, and processing of the resources based on the information managed by the order management step and the actual results managed by the performance management step.

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