Information processing method, information processing system, and program

Abstract

This information processing method is executed by at least one system among an environmental value management system (10), a footprint management system (20), and a carbon offset system (30). The information processing method includes acquiring information relating to a CFP of a provided object or service, determining an environmental value necessary for offsetting a prescribed carbon amount among carbon amounts indicated in the CFP, and nullifying the determined environmental value among the environmental values managed by the environmental value management system to perform a carbon offset process.

Description

Information processing methods, information processing systems, and programs

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing methods, information processing systems, and programs.

[0002] Information processing systems for handling carbon offset information are known. Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system that makes it impossible to tamper with the traceability of green electricity.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-164700

[0004] However, the actual procedures for carbon offsetting are complicated, and conventional systems may not be able to properly handle carbon offsetting.

[0005] Therefore, this disclosure provides an information processing method, etc., that can appropriately perform carbon offset processing.

[0006] An information processing method according to one aspect of this disclosure is an information processing method performed in at least one of an environmental value management system, a footprint management system, and a carbon offset system, which acquires information on the CFP (Carbon Footprint of Products) of a product or service, determines the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the amount of carbon shown in the CFP, and performs carbon offset processing by invalidating the determined environmental value from the environmental value managed by the environmental value management system.

[0007] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing system including at least one of an environmental value management system, a footprint management system, and a carbon offset system, comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the CFP of a product or service; a first processing unit that determines the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the amount of carbon indicated in the CFP; and a second processing unit that outputs an instruction to invalidate the environmental value determined by the first processing unit from among the environmental values ​​managed by the environmental value management system.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program that causes one or more computers to execute the above-described information processing method.

[0009] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, device, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, device, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0010] The information processing methods disclosed herein can appropriately perform carbon offsetting.

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a product that undergoes carbon offsetting. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the information processing system in the embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of an environmental value token managed by an environmental value management system. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a CFP token managed by a footprint management system. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an information processing method in the embodiment. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of carbon offsetting. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing another example of carbon offsetting. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing another example of carbon offsetting. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system including a blockchain. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a ledger server included in a ledger system for environmental value management. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a ledger server included in a ledger system for footprint management. Figure 12 is a block diagram of the information processing system in a modified example 1 of the embodiment. Figure 13 is a block diagram of the information processing system in a modified example 2 of the embodiment. Figure 14 is a block diagram of the information processing system in a modified example 3 of the embodiment. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of a blockchain, which is an example of a distributed ledger. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of transaction data. Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing transaction data related to the execution of a smart contract. Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the processing related to the execution of a smart contract. Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of NFTs and metadata.

[0012] (Summary of this disclosure) CO ２ Carbon offsetting is attracting attention as a measure to reduce CO2 emissions that are unavoidable in daily life and economic activities. ２ Regarding greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2, the approach is to first make efforts to reduce emissions as much as possible, and then to compensate for the greenhouse gas emissions that are unavoidable by investing in greenhouse gas reduction activities commensurate with the emissions. Efforts to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions include generating electricity from renewable energy sources and CO2２ Forest cultivation activities that increase the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed are publicly recognized as generating environmental value, which is an environmentally friendly value.

[0013] Recently, there has been an increase in cases where the CFP (Carbon Footprint of Products) of products is offset by environmental value, and the products are sold as "carbon offset products." CFP refers to the offsetting of greenhouse gases emitted in the process of manufacturing products or providing services, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). ２ This is the value converted to the amount of CO2 emitted. ２ By nullifying the environmental value proportional to the quantity, CO2 ２ We will refer to the process of reducing emissions to virtually zero as "carbon offsetting."

[0014] Figure 1 shows an example of a product that undergoes carbon offsetting treatment.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, CO ２ CO2 emissions occur, for example, in the process of manufacturing materials, in the process of manufacturing parts using materials, and in the process of manufacturing products using parts and energy such as electricity and gasoline. ２ The quantity is recorded as CFP in the footprint management system described later.

[0016] To classify a product as "carbon offset," it's necessary to calculate the total carbon productivity (CFP) of the manufacturing process and purchase environmental value commensurate with the total shipment volume. However, if certain constraints are imposed on purchasing environmental value, cumbersome work is required to satisfy those constraints. For example, if a product sold in a specific region (e.g., Hokkaido) is constrained to be carbon offset in advance using environmental value generated in the same region, finding environmental value that satisfies that constraint becomes a cumbersome process, potentially leading to errors. Furthermore, when carbon offsetting is performed using multiple management systems, errors in information transmission and other processes can occur, resulting in incorrect carbon offsetting.

[0017] The information processing methods, etc., disclosed herein have the following configuration in order to properly perform carbon offset processing. The following is an example of an information processing method, etc., in one form of this disclosure.

[0018] The information processing method in Example 1 is an information processing method performed in at least one of the following systems: an environmental value management system, a footprint management system, and a carbon offset system, which acquires information on the CFP of a product or service, determines the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the amount of carbon shown in the CFP, and performs carbon offset processing by invalidating the determined environmental value from the environmental value managed by the environmental value management system.

[0019] In this way, by determining the environmental value required to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the carbon content shown in the CFP, and then invalidating the determined environmental value, it is possible to suppress errors during the carbon offsetting process. This allows the carbon offsetting process to be carried out appropriately.

[0020] The information processing method in Example 2 is the information processing method described in Example 1, further comprising acquiring constraint information regarding the constraints on the environmental value necessary to offset the predetermined amount of carbon, and determining the environmental value that is necessary to offset the predetermined amount of carbon and satisfies the constraint information.

[0021] In this way, by determining the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon and that satisfies the constraint information, the amount of carbon to be offset and the environmental value that satisfies the constraint information can be invalidated. This allows for proper carbon offsetting.

[0022] The information processing method in Example 3 is the information processing method described in Example 2, wherein the constraint information may include information relating to at least one of the following: the date on which the environmental value was generated, the region on which the environmental value was generated, the producer of the environmental value, and the type of the environmental value.

[0023] According to this, environmental values ​​that satisfy at least one of the following constraints—the region where the environmental value was generated, the producer of the environmental value, and the type of environmental value—can be invalidated. This allows for proper carbon offsetting.

[0024] The information processing method in Example 4 is the information processing method described in Example 1, wherein the CFPs corresponding to the predetermined carbon amount among the CFPs managed by the footprint management system may be considered offset.

[0025] In this way, by offsetting a predetermined amount of carbon footprint (CFP) within the CFP managed by the footprint management system, it is possible to suppress errors during the carbon offsetting process. This allows for proper carbon offsetting.

[0026] The information processing method in Example 5 is the information processing method described in Example 1, wherein the environmental value management system is configured using a blockchain, and the environmental value managed by the environmental value management system may be managed as environmental value tokens on the blockchain.

[0027] By managing environmental value tokens on a blockchain in this way, it is possible to manage information while effectively preventing tampering with information related to environmental value tokens. This allows for proper carbon offsetting.

[0028] The information processing method in Example 6 is the information processing method described in Example 1, wherein the footprint management system is configured using a blockchain, and the CFP managed by the footprint management system may be managed as a CFP token on the blockchain.

[0029] By managing CFP tokens on a blockchain in this way, it is possible to manage information while effectively preventing tampering with information related to CFP tokens. This allows for proper carbon offsetting.

[0030] The information processing method in Example 7 is the information processing method described in Example 1, wherein the at least one system may be the carbon offset system.

[0031] According to this, when performing carbon offsetting between an environmental value management system and a footprint management system, carbon offsetting can be performed via a carbon offsetting system. Therefore, errors during carbon offsetting can be suppressed. This allows carbon offsetting to be performed properly.

[0032] The information processing system in Example 8 is an information processing system that includes at least one of the following systems: an environmental value management system, a footprint management system, and a carbon offset system, and comprises: an information acquisition unit that acquires information on the CFP of a product or service; a first processing unit that determines the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the amount of carbon shown in the CFP; and a second processing unit that outputs an instruction to invalidate the environmental value determined by the first processing unit from among the environmental values ​​managed by the environmental value management system.

[0033] In this way, by determining the environmental value required to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the carbon amount shown in the CFP, and outputting instructions to invalidate the determined environmental value, it is possible to suppress errors during the carbon offsetting process. This enables the carbon offsetting process to be carried out appropriately.

[0034] The information processing system in Example 9 is the information processing system described in Example 8, and may further include a third processing unit that outputs an instruction to offset the CFP corresponding to the predetermined carbon amount among the CFP managed by the footprint management system.

[0035] In this way, by offsetting a predetermined amount of carbon footprint (CFP) within the CFP managed by the footprint management system, it is possible to suppress errors during the carbon offsetting process. This allows for proper carbon offsetting.

[0036] The program of Example 10 is a program that causes the one or more computers to execute the information processing method described in any one of Examples 1 to 7.

[0037] According to this program, the same effects as those of the above information processing method are achieved.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] Note that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims indicating the most general concept are described as optional components.

[0040] (Embodiment) [Basic Configuration of Information Processing System] The basic configuration of the information processing system in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of the information processing system in the embodiment.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing system 1 includes an environmental value management system 10, a footprint management system 20, and a carbon offset system 30.

[0043] The environmental value management system 10 is a system that manages environmental values generated by renewable energy or the like. The environmental value is a value certified by environmental certificates such as J-credits, green power certificates, and non-fossil certificates, for example. The environmental value management system 10 performs generation of environmental values by solar power generation or the like, procurement of environmental values by J-credit purchase or the like, conversion of environmental values by J-credit authentication or the like, and sale of environmental values by J-credit sale or the like.

[0044] The environmental value management system 10 acquires information regarding renewable energy from, for example, a terminal used by a first organization. The first organization is, for example, a company that generates renewable energy. Note that an organization is a group configured to achieve a goal. In the present disclosure, an organization refers to the company itself or a predetermined office, business group, department, etc. within the company.

[0045] The environmental value management system 10 generates information regarding environmental value including information regarding renewable energy, and assigns an ID (Identification) to the information regarding environmental value. The environmental value management system 10 records the information regarding environmental value in a database or the like.

[0046] For example, when the environmental value management system 10 is configured by a blockchain, the environmental value management system 10 records the information regarding environmental value in the blockchain. The environmental value managed by the environmental value management system 10 is managed as an environmental value token which is a non-fungible token (NFT) in the above blockchain. The environmental value management system 10 handles a plurality of environmental value tokens, and manages the generation, procurement, conversion, sale, etc. of each environmental value token.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an environmental value token managed by the environmental value management system.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the environmental value token includes information regarding the type of environmental value, the ID of the environmental value, the amount of the environmental value, the state of the environmental value, the year and month when the environmental value was generated, and the place where the environmental value was generated. In this example, the type of environmental value is J-credit, the ID of the environmental value is J001, and the CO ２ amount is 100 kg, the state of the environmental value is valid, the year and month when the environmental value was generated is January 2024, and the place where the environmental value was generated is Hokkaido.

[0049] Recording environmental value tokens on the blockchain is done to manage information while effectively preventing tampering, without using privileged nodes (e.g., centralized servers or client-server model servers). The carbon offset system 30, described later, can read the environmental value tokens recorded in the environmental value management system 10.

[0050] The footprint management system 20 is a system for managing the footprint of deliverables or services. Deliverables include tangible items such as materials, parts, and products, and intangible items such as information, resources, and energy. Services include services provided through organizational activities such as transportation, manufacturing, support, and assistance.

[0051] The footprint management system 20, for example, obtains information on business plans such as product sales, manufacturing, and contracts from the CFP management department, which manages the CFP of products.

[0052] Information regarding the business plan includes information on CFPs (Carbon Facilitation Plans) that specify the offerings and services eligible for carbon offsetting.

[0053] Furthermore, the business plan information includes constraints on carbon offsetting. This constraint information concerns the environmental value constraints required to offset a predetermined amount of carbon.

[0054] The constraint information for carbon offsetting includes information on at least one of the following: the date the environmental value was generated, the region where the environmental value was generated, the producer of the environmental value, and the type of environmental value. The date the environmental value was generated is expressed as a year, month, and day. The region where the environmental value was generated is defined by country or power grid. Producers of environmental value include houses, organizations, subsidy recipients, etc. Types of environmental value include renewable energy, energy conservation, forest management activities, etc. For example, constraint information may include information that, in order to achieve local production and consumption, products sold in a specific region (e.g., Hokkaido) will be carbon offset in advance with environmental value generated in the same specific region.

[0055] Furthermore, constraint information may include information regarding delivery dates, cost limits, suppliers (including track record and scores), long-term contracts, timeframes, inventory, and more.

[0056] The footprint management system 20 obtains the above-mentioned CFP information and constraint information for carbon offsetting from a terminal used by the second organization. The second organization is, for example, a company that manufactures products or a company that provides services.

[0057] The footprint management system 20 assigns IDs to the CFP information and the above-mentioned constraint information. The footprint management system 20 records the CFP information and the above-mentioned constraint information in a database or the like.

[0058] For example, if the footprint management system 20 is configured on a blockchain, the footprint management system 20 records information about CFPs on the blockchain. The CFPs managed by the footprint management system 20 are managed as CFP tokens, which are NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) on the aforementioned blockchain. The footprint management system 20 manages CFP tokens in the material manufacturing process, CFP tokens in the component manufacturing process, CFP tokens in the product manufacturing process, and also manages comprehensive CFP tokens that include these manufacturing processes. The footprint management system 20 manages multiple CFP tokens handled by each organization.

[0059] Figure 4 shows an example of a CFP token managed by the footprint management system.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the CFP token includes the CFP part number, the CFP individual ID, the CFP quantity, offset status, shipping status, and information about the administrator. In this example, the CFP part number is lighting fixture abc, the CFP individual IDs are 001 to 100, and the CFP CO ２ The quantity is 100 kg, the CFP offset status is not offset, the CFP shipment status is not shipped, and the CFP manager is the lighting sales department.

[0061] Recording CFP tokens on the blockchain is intended to manage information while effectively preventing tampering, without using privileged nodes (such as centralized servers or client-server model servers).

[0062] The carbon offset system 30, described later, can read CFP tokens and constraint information for carbon offsetting recorded in the footprint management system 20.

[0063] The carbon offset system 30 is a system that manages the carbon offset processing performed by the information processing system 1. The carbon offset system 30 is connected to a terminal used by, for example, a third organization. The third organization is a company that manages the carbon offset system 30.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2, the carbon offset system 30 includes an information acquisition unit 310, a first processing unit 321, a second processing unit 322, and a third processing unit 323.

[0065] The information acquisition unit 310 acquires information on environmental value from the environmental value management system 10. The information acquisition unit 310 also acquires information on CFP and the above-mentioned constraint information from the footprint management system 20. The information acquisition unit 310 outputs the information on environmental value, the information on CFP, and the above-mentioned constraint information to the first processing unit 321.

[0066] The first processing unit 321 determines the environmental value required to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the carbon amount shown in the CFP. In this embodiment, the carbon amount is CO ２ The quantity is expressed in kilograms. The specified amount of carbon may be part of or all of the amount of carbon indicated in the CFP.

[0067] Furthermore, if there is constraint information for carbon offsetting, the first processing unit 321 determines an environmental value that is necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon and that satisfies the above constraint information. For example, when determining an environmental value that satisfies the constraint information, the first processing unit 321 determines that the sales timing and sales region of the product subject to carbon offsetting, or the service provision timing and provision region, match the constraint information within a predetermined acceptable range.

[0068] The second processing unit 322 outputs a deactivation instruction to the environmental value management system 10 to invalidate the environmental value determined by the first processing unit 321.

[0069] For example, if there is no constraint information for carbon offsetting, the second processing unit 322 outputs a deactivation instruction to the environmental value management system 10 to deactivate the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon. Based on the deactivation instruction output from the second processing unit 322, the environmental value management system 10 deactivates the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the environmental value managed by the environmental value management system 10. Deactivating environmental value means bringing the environmental value to a state where it has been completely used up.

[0070] On the other hand, if there is constraint information when offsetting carbon, the second processing unit 322 outputs a deactivation instruction to the environmental value management system 10 to deactivate environmental values ​​that are necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon and that satisfy the above constraint information. Based on the deactivation instruction output from the second processing unit 322, the environmental value management system 10 deactivates environmental values ​​from among the environmental values ​​managed by the environmental value management system 10 that are necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon and that satisfy the above constraint information.

[0071] The third processing unit 323 outputs an offset instruction to the footprint management system 20 to offset the CFP corresponding to a predetermined amount of carbon. The footprint management system 20 marks the CFP corresponding to the predetermined amount of carbon from the CFP managed by the footprint management system 20 as offset.

[0072] The information processing system 1 of the embodiment is an information processing system that includes at least one of the following systems: an environmental value management system 10, a footprint management system 20, and a carbon offset system 30. The information processing system 1 includes an information acquisition unit 310 that acquires information regarding the CFP of a product or service, a first processing unit 321 that determines the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the amount of carbon shown in the CFP, and a second processing unit 322 that outputs an instruction to invalidate the environmental value determined by the first processing unit 321 from the environmental value managed by the environmental value management system 10.

[0073] In this way, by determining the environmental value required to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the carbon content shown in the CFP, and then invalidating the determined environmental value, it is possible to suppress errors during the carbon offsetting process. This allows the carbon offsetting process to be carried out appropriately.

[0074] In the above-described information processing system 1, the information acquisition unit 310, the first processing unit 321, the second processing unit 322, and the third processing unit 323 are provided in the carbon offset system 30, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, in the information processing system 1, the information acquisition unit 310 and the first processing unit 321 may be provided in the carbon offset system 30, the second processing unit 322 may be provided in the environmental value management system 10, and the third processing unit 323 may be provided in the footprint management system 20.

[0075] Furthermore, while the above example shows the carbon offset system 30 executing processes by the information acquisition unit 310, the first processing unit 321, the second processing unit 322, and the third processing unit 323, the processes performed by the carbon offset system 30 are not limited to these. For example, the carbon offset system 30 may also perform processes such as estimating, negotiating, making reservations, and futures trading in buying and selling.

[0076] [Information Processing Method] The information processing method performed by the information processing system 1 described above will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 8.

[0077] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the information processing method in the embodiment.

[0078] The footprint management system 20 determines the offerings or services to be offset when carbon offsetting is to be carried out, and outputs information regarding the CFP of the offerings or services to the carbon offset system 30 (step S10).

[0079] The carbon offset system 30 acquires information about CFP output from the footprint management system 20 (step S20).

[0080] The carbon offset system 30 determines the offset amount for the acquired CFP (step S30). For example, if the CFP per 100 units provided is 100 kg (CO2 ２ If the quantity is such that 200 units of the offering are shipped, the offset amount is twice the CFP per 100 units of the offering, i.e., 200 kg (CO2). ２ The quantity will be...

[0081] The footprint management system 20 outputs constraint information regarding the environmental value constraints required to offset a predetermined amount of carbon to the carbon offset system 30 (step S40). The carbon offset system 30 acquires the constraint information output from the footprint management system 20 (step S50).

[0082] The carbon offset system 30 determines an environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the carbon amount shown in the CFP, and which satisfies the constraint information (step S60). For example, if the predetermined amount of carbon is 80% of the carbon amount shown in the CFP, the environmental value to be offset will be 80% of the carbon amount shown in the CFP. If the predetermined amount of carbon is the same as the carbon amount shown in the CFP, the environmental value to be offset will be 100% of the carbon amount shown in the CFP.

[0083] The carbon offset system 30 outputs an instruction to the environmental value management system 10 to invalidate the environmental value determined in step S60 (step S70).

[0084] The environmental value management system 10 invalidates the environmental value determined in step S60 from among the environmental values ​​managed by the environmental value management system 10 (step S80).

[0085] Furthermore, the carbon offset system 30 outputs instructions to the footprint management system 20 to offset CFP equivalent to a predetermined amount of carbon (step S90).

[0086] The footprint management system 20 offsets the CFPs (carbon particles) that correspond to the predetermined amount of carbon determined in step S60 from the CFPs managed by the footprint management system 20 (step S100).

[0087] By executing these steps S10 to S100, the carbon offset process is properly performed.

[0088] The following describes in detail an example of carbon offsetting. The process shown below is a detailed example of the process described in steps S70 to S100 above.

[0089] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of carbon offsetting. Figure 6 describes an example where carbon offsetting is initiated after a reservation has been made.

[0090] The carbon offset system 30 makes a reservation for carbon offsetting processing for both the environmental value management system 10 and the footprint management system 20 (step S110). For example, the carbon offset system 30 instructs the environmental value management system 10 to secure the necessary environmental value to offset a predetermined amount of carbon, and instructs the footprint management system 20 to maintain the offset state of CFP corresponding to a predetermined amount of carbon.

[0091] The environmental value management system 10 secures environmental value tokens corresponding to the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon (step S120). The environmental value management system 10 does not invalidate the environmental value until the secured environmental value tokens are released.

[0092] Furthermore, the footprint management system 20 maintains the offset state of the CFP token, which is CFP corresponding to a predetermined amount of carbon (step S130). The footprint management system 20 does not change the offset state until it releases the maintenance of the offset state.

[0093] Next, the carbon offset system 30 outputs a deactivation instruction signal to the environmental value management system 10, which instructs the deactivation of the environmental value token (step S140).

[0094] When the environmental value management system 10 receives a deactivation instruction signal, it releases the environmental value reservation made in step S120 and starts the deactivation process for the environmental value token (step S150). If the deactivation process for the environmental value token is successful, the environmental value status of that environmental value token (see Figure 3) becomes invalid. If the deactivation process for the environmental value token is unsuccessful, the environmental value status of that environmental value token remains valid.

[0095] The environmental value management system 10 outputs information regarding the success or failure of the deactivation process to the carbon offset system 30 (step S160).

[0096] Meanwhile, the carbon offset system 30 outputs a change instruction signal to the footprint management system 20 to instruct a change in the offset state of the CFP (step S170).

[0097] When the footprint management system 20 receives a change instruction signal, it releases the maintenance of the offset state in step S130 and starts the process of changing the offset state (step S180). The footprint management system 20 starts the process of changing the offset state of the CFP from not yet offset to offset. If the process of changing the offset state of the CFP token is successful, the offset state of the CFP in that CFP token (see Figure 4) becomes offset. If the process of changing the offset state of the CFP token is unsuccessful, the offset state of the CFP in that CFP token remains not offset.

[0098] The footprint management system 20 outputs information regarding the success or failure of the offset state change process to the carbon offset system 30 (step S190). Note that the processes in steps S170 to S190 may be performed before or simultaneously with the processes in steps S140 to S160.

[0099] The carbon offset system 30 determines whether both the deactivation process and the modification process described above were successful (step S200). If both processes are successful (Yes in S220), the carbon offset system 30 records information indicating that the carbon offset process was successful (step S210).

[0100] If at least one of the two processes fails (No in S200), the carbon offset system 30 outputs a deactivation cancellation signal to the environmental value management system 10 to cancel the deactivation process (step S220). Based on the deactivation cancellation signal, the environmental value management system 10 cancels the deactivation process (step S230). For example, if the deactivation process in step S150 was successful, the environmental value management system 10 returns the environmental value state of the environmental value token from deactivation to active. If the deactivation process in step S150 was unsuccessful, the environmental value management system 10 leaves the environmental value state of the environmental value token active.

[0101] Furthermore, if at least one of the two processes fails (No in S200), the carbon offset system 30 outputs a change cancellation signal to the footprint management system 20 to cancel the change process (step S240). Based on the change cancellation signal, the footprint management system 20 cancels the change process (step S250). For example, if the change process in step S180 was successful, the footprint management system 20 returns the CFP offset state of the CFP token from offset to not offset. If the change process in step S180 was unsuccessful, the footprint management system 20 leaves the CFP offset state of the CFP token as not offset.

[0102] The processes in steps S240 and S250 may be performed before or simultaneously with the processes in steps S220 and S230.

[0103] The information processing method of this embodiment is an information processing method performed in at least one of the following systems: an environmental value management system 10, a footprint management system 20, and a carbon offset system 30. The method acquires information regarding the CFP of a product or service, determines the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the carbon amount shown in the CFP, and performs carbon offset processing by invalidating the determined environmental value from the environmental value managed by the environmental value management system 10.

[0104] In this way, by determining the environmental value required to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the carbon content shown in the CFP, and then invalidating the determined environmental value, it is possible to suppress errors during the carbon offsetting process. This allows the carbon offsetting process to be carried out appropriately.

[0105] Furthermore, the above information processing method makes it possible to automatically process heterogeneous tokens from the environmental value management system 10 and the footprint management system 20 in a single batch. This enables high-speed, small-scale, high-frequency, and low-cost carbon offsetting, thus optimizing the overall process (e.g., inventory reduction, cost reduction, waiting time reduction, CO2 offsetting). ２ (Quantity reduction) can be achieved.

[0106] Next, we will describe in detail another example of carbon offsetting.

[0107] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing another example of carbon offsetting. Figure 7 illustrates an example where carbon offsetting is performed based on the reservation results before carbon offsetting.

[0108] The carbon offset system 30 makes a reservation for carbon offsetting processing for both the environmental value management system 10 and the footprint management system 20 (step S110). For example, the carbon offset system 30 instructs the environmental value management system 10 to secure the necessary environmental value to offset a predetermined amount of carbon, and instructs the footprint management system 20 to maintain the offset state of CFP corresponding to a predetermined amount of carbon.

[0109] The environmental value management system 10 secures environmental value tokens corresponding to the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon (step S120). The environmental value management system 10 outputs information regarding the success or failure of securing the environmental value tokens to the carbon offset system 30 (step S121).

[0110] Furthermore, the footprint management system 20 maintains the offset state of the CFP tokens, which are CFPs corresponding to a predetermined amount of carbon (step S130). The footprint management system 20 outputs information regarding the success or failure of maintaining the offset state to the carbon offset system 30 (step S131). Note that the processes in steps S130 and S131 may be performed before or simultaneously with the processes in steps S120 and S121.

[0111] The carbon offset system 30 determines whether both processes of securing the environmental value tokens and maintaining the offset state of the CFP tokens have been successful (step S200A). If both processes are successful (Yes in S200A), the carbon offset system 30 executes the carbon offset process (step S211). The carbon offset system 30 outputs a deactivation instruction signal to the environmental value management system 10 to deactivate the environmental value, and the environmental value management system 10 deactivates the environmental value state of the environmental value tokens. The carbon offset system 30 also outputs a change instruction signal to the footprint management system 20 to change the offset state of the CFP, and the footprint management system 20 sets the CFP offset state of the CFP tokens to offset.

[0112] If at least one of the two processes fails (No in S200A), the carbon offset system 30 outputs a reservation cancellation signal to the environmental value management system 10 to cancel the reservation of the environmental value token (step S220A). Based on the reservation cancellation signal, the environmental value management system 10 cancels the reservation of the environmental value token (step S230A).

[0113] Furthermore, if at least one of the two processes fails (No in S200A), the carbon offset system 30 outputs a maintenance cancellation signal to the footprint management system 20 to cancel the maintenance of the offset state of the CFP token (step S240A). Based on the maintenance cancellation signal, the footprint management system 20 cancels the maintenance of the offset state of the CFP token (step S250A). Note that the processes in steps S240A and S250A may be performed before or simultaneously with the processes in steps S220A and S230A. By performing each step shown in Figure 7, the carbon offset process can be carried out appropriately.

[0114] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing another example of carbon offsetting. Figure 8 describes an example where carbon offsetting is performed without making a reservation for carbon offsetting.

[0115] The carbon offset system 30 outputs a deactivation instruction signal to the environmental value management system 10, which instructs the deactivation of the environmental value token (step S140).

[0116] When the environmental value management system 10 receives a deactivation instruction signal, it executes a deactivation process for the environmental value token (step S150A). This process deactivates the environmental value status of the environmental value token.

[0117] Meanwhile, the carbon offset system 30 outputs a change instruction signal to the footprint management system 20 to instruct a change in the offset state of the CFP (step S170).

[0118] When the footprint management system 20 receives a change instruction signal, it executes a process to change the offset state (step S180A). The footprint management system 20 changes the offset state of the CFP from "not done" to "done". This process makes the offset state of the CFP in the CFP token "offset". Note that the processes in steps S170 and S180A may be executed before or simultaneously with the processes in steps S140 and S150A. By executing each step shown in Figure 8, the carbon offset process can be performed appropriately.

[0119] Furthermore, the processing in Information Processing System 1 may be entirely executed on the blockchain, or some processing may be executed on the blockchain and some other processing may be executed outside the blockchain. Processing related to environmental value tokens may be executed on the blockchain or outside the blockchain. Processing related to CFP tokens may be executed on the blockchain or outside the blockchain. In addition, the processing in Information Processing System 1 may be executed by direct cooperation between two blockchains, or by indirect cooperation between two blockchains via other systems.

[0120] [Configuration of Information Processing System Including Blockchain] The configuration of the information processing system including blockchain will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Below, we will describe an example in which the environmental value management system 10 and the footprint management system 20 are each configured using blockchain.

[0121] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system including blockchain. Information processing system 1 is an example of a system that promotes the efficient use of resources.

[0122] As shown in Figure 9, the information processing system 1 includes a ledger system 10a for environmental value management, a ledger system 20a for footprint management, and a carbon offset system 30. The information processing system 1 is connected to a storage device 5 and terminals T1, T2, and T3. The information processing system 1 may further include the storage device 5 and terminals T1, T2, and T3. Each of the above devices is connected to a network N and can communicate via the network N.

[0123] The carbon offset system 30 includes an information acquisition unit 310, a first processing unit 321, a second processing unit 322, and a third processing unit 323 as functional units. At least a portion of the functional units of the carbon offset system 30 are realized by a processor (e.g., CPU) of the carbon offset system 30 executing a program using memory. The configuration of the functional units of the carbon offset system 30 is as described above.

[0124] The ledger system 10a is an information processing system (also called the first distributed ledger system) that stores information using a distributed ledger. Environmental value tokens (see Figure 3) are stored in the distributed ledger of the ledger system 10a. The ledger system 10a is an example of the environmental value management system 10 shown in Figure 2 and is constructed using blockchain technology.

[0125] The ledger system 10a can execute processes using smart contracts with a distributed ledger. The ledger system 10a generates environmental value tokens using smart contract processing.

[0126] The ledger system 10a includes ledger servers 11, 12, and 13 (also referred to as ledger servers 11, etc.) as a group of servers that maintain a distributed ledger. When at least one of the ledger servers 11, etc. receives transaction data, that transaction data is shared by all the ledger servers 11, etc. and stored in the distributed ledger. The number of ledger servers included in the above group of servers is not limited to three, but may be two or more.

[0127] Ledger server 11 is a computer server that holds and manages the distributed ledger. Ledger server 11 holds the distributed ledger and updates it in synchronization with other ledger servers (specifically ledger servers 12 and 13). Ledger server 11 is part of the environmental value management system 10 and is connected to terminal T1 used by the first organization via network N.

[0128] Ledger servers 12 and 13 are servers similar to ledger server 11, and operate independently of ledger server 11. Ledger server 12 is part of the environmental value management system 10 and is connected to terminal T2 used by a second organization via network N. Ledger server 13 is also part of the environmental value management system 10 and is connected to terminal T3 used by a third organization via network N.

[0129] The ledger system 20a is an information processing system (also called the second distributed ledger system) that stores information using a distributed ledger, and is a different system from the ledger system 10a. The distributed ledger of the ledger system 20a stores CFP tokens (see Figure 4) of offerings or services. The ledger system 20a is an example of the footprint management system 20 shown in Figure 2, and is constructed using blockchain.

[0130] The ledger system 20a can execute processes using smart contracts with a distributed ledger. The ledger system 20a generates CFP tokens using smart contract processing.

[0131] The ledger system 20a includes ledger servers 21, 22, and 23 (also referred to as ledger servers 21, etc.) as a group of servers that maintain a distributed ledger. When at least one of the ledger servers 21, etc. receives transaction data, that transaction data is shared by all the ledger servers 21, etc. and stored in the distributed ledger. The number of ledger servers included in the above group of servers is not limited to three, but may be two or more.

[0132] Ledger server 21 is a computer server that holds and manages the distributed ledger. Ledger server 21 holds the distributed ledger and updates it in synchronization with other ledger servers (specifically ledger servers 22 and 23). Ledger server 21 is part of the footprint management system 20 and is connected to terminal T1 used by the first organization via network N.

[0133] Ledger servers 22 and 23 are servers similar to ledger server 21, and operate independently of ledger server 21. Ledger server 22 is part of the footprint management system 20 and is connected to terminal T2 used by a second organization via network N. Ledger server 23 is also part of the footprint management system 20 and is connected to terminal T3 used by a third organization via network N.

[0134] The storage device 5 is a storage device that stores data. The storage device 5 can be accessed (specifically read from or written to) via the network N from the ledger system 10a, the ledger system 20a, or terminals T1, T2, and T3. There may be one or more storage devices 5. The storage device 5 can store various types of information. The information stored in the storage device 5 can be used as metadata for tokens generated by the ledger system 10a or 20a.

[0135] Furthermore, if the storage device 5 stores information that can only be accessed by a device with usage rights, the storage device 5 may, upon receiving an access request for such information, determine whether the sender of the access request has usage rights, and only grant access if the sender of the access request has usage rights. The storage device 5 may determine that the sender of the access request has usage rights if, at the time of receiving the access request, the sender of the access request possesses a usage rights token.

[0136] Terminal T1 is an information processing device used by a user of the first organization. Terminal T1 comprises a processor (e.g., CPU (Central Processing Unit), hereinafter the same), memory, a user interface (display screen, speaker, or touch panel, hereinafter the same), and a communication interface. It can accept information input using the user interface or communication interface, and can also generate, display, output audio, or transmit / receive information. Terminal T1 may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, or a smartphone.

[0137] Terminal T2 is an information processing device used by a user of the second organization. Terminal T2 comprises a processor, memory, a user interface, and a communication interface, and can accept information input using the user interface or the communication interface, and can also generate, display, output audio, or transmit / receive information. Terminal T2 may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, or a smartphone.

[0138] Terminal T3 is an information processing device used by a user of a third organization. Terminal T3 comprises a processor, memory, a user interface, and a communication interface, and can accept information input using the user interface or the communication interface, and can also generate, display, output audio, or transmit / receive information. Terminal T3 may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, or a smartphone.

[0139] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a ledger server included in a ledger system for environmental value management.

[0140] The ledger server 11 includes an information acquisition unit 101, an information processing unit 103, and a storage unit 104 as functional units. At least a portion of the functional units of the ledger server 11 are realized by the processor (e.g., CPU) of the ledger server 11 executing programs using memory.

[0141] The information acquisition unit 101 has a communication interface that is connected to the network N in a communicative manner. The communication interface of the information acquisition unit 101 may be a communication interface for a wired communication standard (e.g., Ethernet®), a communication interface for a wireless communication standard (e.g., Wi-Fi®), or a communication interface for a mobile communication system (3G, 4G, or 5G, etc.). The information acquisition unit 101 is used when a functional unit of the ledger server 11 communicates with other devices. The information acquisition unit 101 is capable of acquiring information about environmental value tokens in the ledger system 10a.

[0142] The information processing unit 103 performs processing related to the distributed ledger 104a and transaction data. Specifically, when the information processing unit 103 receives transaction data from the carbon offset system 30, the ledger system 20a, or terminals T1, T2, T3, etc., it verifies the digital signature contained in the received transaction data and controls the storage unit 104 to store the successfully verified transaction data in the distributed ledger 104a. When storing transaction data in the distributed ledger 104a, the information processing unit 103 can generate a block containing the transaction data to be stored and control the storage unit 103 to store the generated block in the distributed ledger 104a if an agreement is reached with the information processing units 103 of the other ledger servers, namely ledger servers 12 and 13.

[0143] The information processing unit 103 can perform information processing by executing a smart contract using the distributed ledger 104a. If a smart contract is not used, the information processing unit 103 performs information processing according to normal program code. As part of the above information processing, the information processing unit 103 executes the process of generating environmental value tokens using a smart contract.

[0144] The memory unit 104 is a storage device that stores information. The memory unit 104 stores the distributed ledger 104a. The memory unit 104 is implemented using a non-volatile storage device (SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive)), etc.

[0145] The distributed ledger 104a stores data having a structure in which blocks containing one or more transaction data are linked together in a chain. The one or more transaction data stored in the distributed ledger 104a include transaction data containing the contract code of a smart contract, transaction data containing instructions to execute a smart contract, or transaction data containing other information.

[0146] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a ledger server included in a ledger system for footprint management.

[0147] The ledger server 21 comprises an information acquisition unit 201, an information processing unit 203, and a storage unit 204 as functional units. At least a portion of the functional units of the ledger server 21 are realized by the processor (e.g., CPU) of the ledger server 21 executing programs using memory.

[0148] The information acquisition unit 201 is a communication interface that is communicatively connected to the network N. The communication interface of the information acquisition unit 201 may be a communication interface of a wired communication standard (e.g., Ethernet®), a communication interface of a wireless communication standard (e.g., Wi-Fi®), or a communication interface of a mobile communication system (3G, 4G, or 5G, etc.). The information acquisition unit 201 is used when a functional unit of the ledger server 21 communicates with other devices. The information acquisition unit 201 is capable of acquiring information about CFP tokens in the ledger system 20a.

[0149] The information processing unit 203 performs processing related to the distributed ledger 204a and transaction data. Specifically, when the information processing unit 203 receives transaction data from the carbon offset system 30, the ledger system 10a, or terminals T1, T2, T3, etc., it verifies the digital signature contained in the received transaction data and controls the storage unit 204 to store the successfully verified transaction data in the distributed ledger 204a it holds. When storing transaction data in the distributed ledger 204a, the information processing unit 203 can generate a block containing the transaction data to be stored and control the storage unit 203 to store the generated block in the distributed ledger 204a if an agreement is reached with the information processing units 203 of the other ledger servers, namely ledger servers 22 and 23, regarding the generated block.

[0150] The information processing unit 203 can perform information processing by executing a smart contract using the distributed ledger 204a. If a smart contract is not used, the information processing unit 203 performs information processing according to normal program code. As part of the above information processing, the information processing unit 203 executes the process of generating CFP tokens using a smart contract.

[0151] The memory unit 204 is a storage device that stores information. The memory unit 204 stores the distributed ledger 204a. The memory unit 204 is implemented by a non-volatile storage device (SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive)), etc.

[0152] The distributed ledger 204a stores data having a structure in which blocks containing one or more transaction data are linked together in a chain. The one or more transaction data stored in the distributed ledger 204a include transaction data containing the contract code of a smart contract, transaction data containing instructions to execute a smart contract, or transaction data containing other information.

[0153] In the above, the expression that the device transmits information or data to the ledger system 10a means that the device transmits the information or data to one of the ledger servers 11, etc., provided by the ledger system 10a (for example, ledger server 11). Similarly, the expression that the ledger system 10a transmits information or data to a device means that one of the ledger servers 11, etc., provided by the ledger system 10a (for example, ledger server 11) transmits the information or data. The same applies to the ledger system 20a.

[0154] [Modification 1 of the Embodiment] The information processing system 1 in Modification 1 of the Embodiment will be described.

[0155] Figure 12 is a block diagram of the information processing system in a modified example 1 of the embodiment.

[0156] The information processing system 1 shown in Figure 12 includes an environmental value management system 10, a footprint management system 20, and a carbon offset system 30.

[0157] In the information processing system 1 of the modified example 1, the information acquisition unit 310 and the first processing unit 321 are provided in the carbon offset system 30, the second processing unit 322 is provided in the environmental value management system 10, and the third processing unit 323 is provided in the footprint management system 20.

[0158] The information acquisition unit 310 acquires information regarding environmental value, CFP information, and constraint information, and outputs them to the first processing unit 321.

[0159] The first processing unit 321 determines an environmental value that is necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the carbon amount shown in the CFP and that satisfies the constraint information. The first processing unit 321 outputs the determined environmental value to the second processing unit 322. The first processing unit 321 also outputs information regarding the predetermined amount of carbon to the third processing unit 323.

[0160] The second processing unit 322 outputs a deactivation instruction to invalidate the environmental value determined by the first processing unit 321. The environmental value management system 10 invalidates the environmental value instructed by the second processing unit 322.

[0161] The third processing unit 323 outputs an offset instruction to offset the CFP corresponding to a predetermined amount of carbon. The footprint management system 20 executes the offset instruction issued by the third processing unit 323.

[0162] The information processing system 1 in modified example 1 also achieves the same effects as the information processing system 1 in the embodiment.

[0163] [Modified Example 2 of the Embodiment] The information processing system 1 in Modified Example 2 of the Embodiment will be described.

[0164] Figure 13 is a block diagram of the information processing system in a modified example 2 of the embodiment.

[0165] The information processing system 1 shown in Figure 13 includes an environmental value management system 10, a footprint management system 20, and a carbon offset system 30.

[0166] In the modified information processing system 1 of the second example, the information acquisition unit 310, the first processing unit 321, and the third processing unit 323 are provided in the carbon offset system 30, and the second processing unit 322 is provided in the environmental value management system 10.

[0167] The information acquisition unit 310 acquires information regarding environmental value, CFP information, and constraint information, and outputs them to the first processing unit 321.

[0168] The first processing unit 321 determines an environmental value that is necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the carbon amount shown in the CFP and that satisfies the constraint information. The first processing unit 321 outputs the determined environmental value to the second processing unit 322. The first processing unit 321 also outputs information regarding the predetermined amount of carbon to the third processing unit 323.

[0169] The second processing unit 322 outputs a deactivation instruction to invalidate the environmental value determined by the first processing unit 321. The environmental value management system 10 invalidates the environmental value instructed by the second processing unit 322.

[0170] The third processing unit 323 outputs an offset instruction to offset the CFP corresponding to a predetermined amount of carbon. The footprint management system 20 executes the offset instruction issued by the third processing unit 323.

[0171] The information processing system 1 in the modified example 2 also achieves the same effects as the information processing system 1 in the embodiment.

[0172] [Modification 3 of the Embodiment] The information processing system 1 in Modification 3 of the Embodiment will be described.

[0173] Figure 14 is a block diagram of the information processing system in a modified example 3 of the embodiment.

[0174] The information processing system 1 shown in Figure 14 includes an environmental value management system 10, a footprint management system 20, and a carbon offset system 30.

[0175] In the modified example 3, the information processing system 1 includes an information acquisition unit 310, a first processing unit 321, and a second processing unit 322, which are located in the carbon offset system 30, and a third processing unit 323, which is located in the footprint management system 20.

[0176] The information acquisition unit 310 acquires information regarding environmental value, CFP information, and constraint information, and outputs them to the first processing unit 321.

[0177] The first processing unit 321 determines an environmental value that is necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the carbon amount shown in the CFP and that satisfies the constraint information. The first processing unit 321 outputs the determined environmental value to the second processing unit 322. The first processing unit 321 also outputs information regarding the predetermined amount of carbon corresponding to the environmental value to the third processing unit 323.

[0178] The second processing unit 322 outputs a deactivation instruction to invalidate the environmental value determined by the first processing unit 321. The environmental value management system 10 invalidates the environmental value instructed by the second processing unit 322.

[0179] The third processing unit 323 outputs an offset instruction to offset the CFP corresponding to a predetermined amount of carbon. The footprint management system 20 executes the offset instruction issued by the third processing unit 323.

[0180] The information processing system 1 in modified example 3 also achieves the same effects as the information processing system 1 in the embodiment.

[0181] (Explanation of the Distributed Ledger System) The ledger system 10a or 20a (also called the distributed ledger system) described above will be explained in detail below.

[0182] A distributed ledger system is a system that stores and maintains information using P2P (peer-to-peer) network technology, in which multiple nodes are connected. A node is an information processing device in which a processor (e.g., a CPU) executes a program using memory to perform predetermined processing.

[0183] In a distributed ledger system, each of the multiple nodes autonomously and distributedly maintains and synchronizes copies of the information. This allows the distributed ledger system to properly store information while effectively preventing tampering, without using privileged nodes (e.g., a centralized server or a server in a client-server model).

[0184] Furthermore, a device attempting to access a distributed ledger only needs to access one of the multiple nodes provided by the distributed ledger system; in other words, it does not need to access a small number of centralized servers or other devices. This avoids the concentration of communication or processing load on a centralized server that can occur in centralized systems. This has the advantage that the resources (CPU or memory, etc.) of the nodes do not need to be of very high specifications, and the communication lines to which the nodes are connected do not need to have a large communication capacity. As a result, a distributed ledger system can be configured using general-purpose nodes or communication lines, which can contribute to a reduction in the required computer resources or communication resources, or a reduction in the costs required for nodes and communication lines.

[0185] Furthermore, distributed ledger systems can store information with high fault tolerance and allow information to be accessed with high fault tolerance. If all of the multiple nodes of a distributed ledger system fail, the distributed ledger system will stop, but since it is rare for all of the multiple nodes to fail, it is rare for the distributed ledger system to stop. This is an advantage over centralized systems, where if the centralized server fails, information cannot be stored or accessed.

[0186] Referring to Figures 15 to 19, we will explain the data structure of distributed ledgers, the execution of smart contracts, and the data structure of NFTs.

[0187] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of a blockchain, which is an example of a distributed ledger.

[0188] A blockchain is a chain of interconnected blocks, which are the units of data. Each block contains multiple transaction data and the hash value of the previous block.

[0189] Figure 15 shows blocks B1, B2, and B3 included in the blockchain.

[0190] For example, block B2 contains the hash value of the preceding block B1. The hash value of block B1 is calculated by performing a hash algorithm operation on the contents of block B1.

[0191] Furthermore, block B3 contains a hash value calculated from multiple transaction data contained in block B2 and the hash value of block B1, which is then included as the hash value of block B2.

[0192] Thus, because a blockchain has a structure in which blocks containing the contents of the previous block as a hash value are linked together in a chain, it can effectively prevent tampering with recorded transaction data.

[0193] If past transaction data is altered (in other words, tampered with), the hash value of the block containing that transaction data will be different from the value before the alteration. In that case, to make the block containing the altered transaction data appear correct, all blocks from that block onward in the distributed ledger, which is stored by multiple servers, would have to be rebuilt, and this process is practically extremely difficult. Due to this characteristic, tampering with transaction data contained in a blockchain may be virtually impossible.

[0194] When a node stores transaction data on the blockchain, it generates a block containing the transaction data to be stored and attempts to reach an agreement with other nodes by performing a consensus algorithm-based process on the generated block. The node then controls itself to store the block on the blockchain once an agreement is reached. This allows multiple nodes operating autonomously and decentralized to connect legitimate blocks to the blockchain. As a consensus algorithm, PBFT (Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance), PoW (Proof of Work), or PoS (Proof of Stake) may be used. Note that when using Hyperledger Fabric as an example of distributed ledger technology, the consensus algorithm does not need to be executed.

[0195] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of transaction data.

[0196] The transaction data shown in Figure 16 includes a transaction body BP1 and a digital signature BP2 (also simply called a signature). The transaction body BP1 is the data itself contained within the transaction data. The digital signature BP2 is generated by encrypting the hash value of the transaction body BP1 with the signing key (in other words, the private key) of the creator of the transaction data.

[0197] A node that receives transaction data can use the digital signature BP2 contained in the transaction data to verify that the transaction body BP1 is legitimate (in other words, that it has not been tampered with). This makes it virtually impossible to tamper with the data contained in the transaction body BP1. Furthermore, by storing the verified transaction data on the blockchain, the legitimacy of the transaction data stored on the blockchain can be maintained.

[0198] As described above, transaction data included in a blockchain is stored in the blockchain by linking the hash values ​​of the transaction data and the hash values ​​of the blocks. This ensures that the transaction data included in the blockchain is stored and maintained virtually without tampering. This is an advantage that distinguishes it from a database or distributed database where data is simply stored as a collection.

[0199] Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing transaction data related to the execution of a smart contract. Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the processing related to the execution of a smart contract.

[0200] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, a series of processes related to the execution of a smart contract using a distributed ledger will be explained.

[0201] In step SB1, the node stores transaction data B11, which includes contract code B12 describing the processing of the smart contract, in the distributed ledger B10. For example, the node obtains transaction data B11 by receiving it via communication from an information processing device or by generating the transaction data B11 itself, and stores the obtained transaction data B11 in the distributed ledger B10. Step SB1 is performed before executing the smart contract.

[0202] In step SB2, the node stores transaction data B15, which includes the instruction B16 to execute the smart contract, in the distributed ledger B10. For example, the node receives transaction data B15 from an information processing device via communication and stores the received transaction data B15 in the distributed ledger B10.

[0203] In step SB3, the node reads the contract code B12 from the distributed ledger B10 in response to the fact that the transaction data B15, including the instruction B16, was stored in the distributed ledger B10 in step SB2, and executes processing based on the contract code B12. The result of the above processing may be included in the transaction data and stored in the distributed ledger B10.

[0204] Through the above series of processes, when the distributed ledger system receives transaction data B15 containing the instruction B16 to execute a smart contract, it automatically (in other words, without human intervention) executes the process according to instruction B16, enabling highly efficient (in other words, fast or in a short time) processing. This high-efficiency processing has the effect of reducing power consumption. Furthermore, because it does not involve human intervention, it is possible to prevent human tampering with information, fraudulent activities, or human errors. In addition, since the results of the processing executed in this way are stored on the blockchain, it is virtually impossible to tamper with the results of the processing.

[0205] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an NFT and metadata. An NFT is a token stored on a distributed ledger and is a unique token (in other words, a non-fungible token). NFTs are standardized, for example, as ERC (Ethereum Request for Comments) 721, but are not limited to this, and may conform to different standards or be non-standard (for example, unique to an organization).

[0206] Figure 19 shows transaction data B21 stored in the distributed ledger. Transaction data B21 contains NFTs.

[0207] An NFT has metadata. The metadata may be located in a location accessible via the network (e.g., storage device B22). A token URI indicating the location of the metadata is calculated using the NFT's token ID and a predetermined base URI.

[0208] Information managed as an NFT may be included in transaction data B21 or in metadata. Including information managed as an NFT in metadata has the advantage of reducing the amount of information that can be included in transaction data B21 (in other words, the information that can be included in the blockchain). In this case, metadata can be said to contain the actual information managed as an NFT. When an image is managed as an NFT, the URL that points to the image data of that image may be managed as an NFT.

[0209] In the above embodiment, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented 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. Here, the software that implements the information processing system, etc., of the above embodiment is the following program.

[0210] In other words, this program is a program that causes a computer to execute an information processing method that involves obtaining information on the CFP of a product or service, determining the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the carbon amount shown in the CFP, and then invalidating the determined environmental value from the environmental value managed by the environmental value management system to perform carbon offset processing.

[0211] Although information processing methods and the like relating to one or more embodiments have been described above based on embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive of may be applied to these embodiments, and forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more embodiments.

[0212] The information processing method disclosed herein can be used as a method for performing carbon offsetting.

[0213] 1 Information Processing System 5, B22 Storage Device 10 Environmental Value Management System 10a Ledger System 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23 Ledger Server 20 Footprint Management System 20a Ledger System 30 Carbon Offset System 101, 201 Information Acquisition Unit 103, 203 Information Processing Unit 104, 204 Storage Unit 104a, 204a, B10 Distributed Ledger 310 Information Acquisition Unit 321 First Processing Unit 322 Second Processing Unit 323 Third Processing Unit B1, B2, B3 Block B11, B15, B21 Transaction Data B12 Contract Code B16 Instruction BP1 Transaction Body BP2 Digital Signature N Network T1, T2, T3 Terminal

Claims

1. An information processing method performed in at least one of the following systems: an environmental value management system, a footprint management system, and a carbon offset system, the method comprising: acquiring information on the CFP (Carbon Footprint of Products) of a product or service; determining the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the amount of carbon shown in the CFP; and performing carbon offset processing by invalidating the determined environmental value from the environmental value managed by the environmental value management system.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising obtaining constraint information regarding the constraints on the environmental value necessary to offset the predetermined amount of carbon, and determining the environmental value that is necessary to offset the predetermined amount of carbon and satisfies the constraint information.

3. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein the constraint information includes information relating to at least one of the following: the date on which the environmental value was generated, the region in which the environmental value was generated, the producer of the environmental value, and the type of the environmental value.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the CFPs managed by the footprint management system are offset to the CFPs corresponding to the predetermined amount of carbon.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the environmental value management system is configured using a blockchain, and the environmental value managed by the environmental value management system is managed as an environmental value token on the blockchain.

6. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the footprint management system is configured using a blockchain, and the CFP managed by the footprint management system is managed as a CFP token on the blockchain.

7. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one system is the carbon offset system.

8. An information processing system comprising at least one of the following systems: an environmental value management system, a footprint management system, and a carbon offset system, the system comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the CFP (Carbon Footprint of Products) of a product or service; a first processing unit that determines the environmental value necessary to offset a predetermined amount of carbon from the amount of carbon shown in the CFP; and a second processing unit that outputs an instruction to invalidate the environmental value determined by the first processing unit from among the environmental values ​​managed by the environmental value management system.

9. The information processing system according to claim 8, further comprising a third processing unit that outputs an instruction to offset the CFP corresponding to the predetermined amount of carbon among the CFP managed by the footprint management system.

10. A program that causes one or more computers to execute the information processing method described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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