Information processing method, information processing device, and information processing program

Abstract

This information processing device: acquires data created in any one of a plurality of processes in a life cycle of a product; determines whether the current process in which the data is created is a termination process in which data management by an asset management shell is performed; stores, in association with the asset management shell, switching information indicating that the data management by the asset management shell is switched to data management by a non-fungible token, which is generated by a blockchain technology, when it is determined that the current process is the termination process; and stores the data in association with any one of the asset management shell and the non-fungible token on the basis of the switching information when it is determined that the current process is not the termination process.

Description

Information Processing Method, Information Processing Apparatus, and Information Processing Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for managing data created in a plurality of processes in the life cycle of a product.

[0002] For example, in Patent Document 1, based on business identification information for identifying a business and a table, from an asset management shell, one or more submodels related to the business corresponding to the business identification information are selected as recommended submodels, and a subset of the asset management shell that extracts product information related to the recommended submodels is generated. A product information extraction device is disclosed.

[0003] However, with the above conventional technology, it is difficult to manage data obtained throughout the entire life cycle of a product, and further improvement has been required.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-130146

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of managing data obtained throughout the entire life cycle of a product.

[0006] An information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by a computer, including acquiring data created in any one of a plurality of processes in the life cycle of a product, determining whether the current process in which the data was created is an end process in which data management by an asset management shell is performed, and when it is determined that the current process is the end process, storing, in association with the asset management shell, switching information indicating that data management by the asset management shell is switched to data management using a non-fungible token generated by blockchain technology, and when it is determined that the current process is not the end process, storing the data in association with either the asset management shell or the non-fungible token based on the switching information.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, data obtained throughout the entire life cycle of a product can be managed.

[0008] This figure shows the configuration of the data management system according to this embodiment. This figure shows an example of multiple processes in the product lifecycle according to this embodiment. This figure shows an example of the configuration of the AAS management server and NFT management server according to this embodiment. This figure shows an example of the AAS for product X in this embodiment. This figure shows an example of the NFT in this embodiment. This is a flowchart for explaining data processing by the AAS management server in the embodiment of this disclosure. This is a flowchart for explaining data processing by the NFT management server in the embodiment of this disclosure. This figure explains the timing of the switch from AAS to NFT for data management and data tracing by NFT.

[0009] (Knowledge forming the basis of this disclosure) The asset management shell of the prior art described above is a data format for managing data on assets such as products, equipment, or machinery in Industry 4.0, and the data in the asset management shell is assigned a unique identifier (asset ID). The asset management shell makes it possible to trace data at each stage of the product lifecycle in conjunction with the asset ID, and its application to data utilization in the circular economy is also anticipated.

[0010] Product data generated during manufacturing, transportation, sales, and use is stored in separate, distributed databases (DBs). This product data is linked by an asset ID in the asset management shell, ensuring centralized management throughout the product's lifecycle.

[0011] Here, data such as carbon footprint (CFP) needs to be acquired and managed throughout the entire lifecycle, including the recycling process.

[0012] However, in the recycling process, if a product is dismantled into parts and those parts are recycled into raw materials, the raw materials recycled from a single part may be distributed to multiple factories. In this case, there is a risk that the asset IDs of the raw materials and parts cannot be managed in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0013] Furthermore, the asset management shell links objects to asset IDs. Therefore, if an object that is a component changes into a substance that is a raw material, the asset management shell may not be able to link the substance to the asset ID.

[0014] Thus, the asset management shell may not be able to manage data such as CFP obtained throughout the entire product lifecycle.

[0015] To address the above challenges, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0016] (1) An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method performed by a computer, which includes: acquiring data created in any of a plurality of processes in the product lifecycle; determining whether the current process in which the data was created is a terminal process in which data management is performed by an asset management shell; if the current process is determined to be the terminal process, storing switching information in association with the asset management shell indicating that data management by the asset management shell will be switched to data management by non-fungible tokens generated by blockchain technology; and if the current process is determined not to be the terminal process, storing the data in association with either the asset management shell or the non-fungible tokens based on the switching information.

[0017] In this configuration, if the current process in which the data was created is determined to be a terminal process, switching information indicating that data management by the asset management shell will be switched to data management using non-fungible tokens generated by blockchain technology is stored in association with the asset management shell. If the current process in which the data was created is determined not to be a terminal process, and the switching information indicates that data management by the asset management shell will be switched to data management using non-fungible tokens, the data is stored in association with non-fungible tokens. On the other hand, if the current process in which the data was created is determined not to be a terminal process, and the switching information indicates that data management by the asset management shell will not be switched to data management using non-fungible tokens, the data is stored in association with the asset management shell.

[0018] Therefore, even data that is difficult to manage by associating it with an asset management shell can be managed by associating it with non-fungible tokens, and data obtained throughout the entire product lifecycle can be managed.

[0019] (2) In the information processing method described in (1) above, the terminal step may be a dismantling step of dismantling the product.

[0020] With this configuration, data created from the initial stage to the dismantling stage can be managed in association with the asset management shell, and data created in stages after the dismantling stage can be managed in association with non-fungible tokens.

[0021] (3) In the information processing method described in (1) or (2) above, the switching information is a flag, and the storage of the switching information includes switching the flag from off to on when it is determined that the current process is the terminal process, and the storage of the data may include storing the data in association with the asset management shell when it is determined that the current process is not the terminal process and the flag is off, and storing the data in association with the non-fungible token when it is determined that the current process is not the terminal process and the flag is on.

[0022] With this configuration, it is easy to determine, using a flag, whether to store the data in association with the asset management shell or with non-fungible tokens.

[0023] (4) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the data may include a carbon footprint obtained by converting the greenhouse gas emissions emitted in the current process into carbon dioxide emissions.

[0024] The carbon footprint needs to be managed throughout the entire product lifecycle. However, when a product is dismantled into parts, and those parts are recycled into materials, managing the carbon footprint of materials, which are not physical objects, is difficult using an asset management shell. On the other hand, with the above configuration, the carbon footprint of materials can be managed using non-fungible tokens, thus enabling the carbon footprint to be managed throughout the entire product lifecycle.

[0025] (5) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (4) above, if it is determined that the current process is the terminal process, the method may further include generating the non-fungible token, obtaining token identification information for identifying the generated non-fungible token, and storing the obtained token identification information in association with the asset management shell.

[0026] With this configuration, token identification information is associated with the asset management shell, allowing data associated with non-fungible tokens to be accessed from the asset management shell.

[0027] (6) In the information processing method described in (5) above, the generation of the non-fungible token may include storing asset identification information for identifying the asset management shell in association with the non-fungible token.

[0028] With this configuration, asset identification information is associated with non-fungible tokens, allowing data associated with the asset management shell to be referenced from the non-fungible tokens.

[0029] (7) The information processing method described in any one of (1) to (6) above may further include generating the asset management shell in the first of the plurality of steps.

[0030] This configuration allows data created at each of the multiple stages in the product lifecycle to be associated with and stored in the asset management shell.

[0031] Furthermore, this disclosure can be implemented not only as an information processing method that performs the characteristic processing described above, but also as an information processing device having a characteristic configuration corresponding to the characteristic processing performed by the information processing method. It can also be implemented as a computer program that causes a computer to execute the characteristic processing included in such an information processing method. Therefore, the same effects as the above-described information processing method can be achieved in the following other embodiments.

[0032] (8) An information processing device according to another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device comprising a processor, the processor acquires data created in any of a plurality of processes in the product lifecycle, determines whether the current process in which the data was created is a terminal process in which data management is performed by an asset management shell, stores switching information associated with the asset management shell if it is determined that the current process is a terminal process, and if it is determined that the current process is a terminal process, stores switching information associated with the asset management shell indicating that the data management by the asset management shell will be switched to data management by non-fungible tokens generated by blockchain technology if it is determined that the current process is not a terminal process, stores the data associated with either the asset management shell or the non-fungible tokens based on the switching information.

[0033] (9) An information processing program according to another aspect of the present disclosure acquires data created in any of several processes in the product lifecycle, determines whether the current process in which the data was created is a terminal process in which data management is performed by an asset management shell, stores switching information associated with the asset management shell if it is determined that the current process is a terminal process, and if it is determined that the data management by the asset management shell is switched to data management by non-fungible tokens generated by blockchain technology if it is determined that the current process is not a terminal process, causes the computer to operate to store the data associated with either the asset management shell or the non-fungible tokens based on the switching information.

[0034] (10) Non-temporary computer-readable recording media relating to other aspects of the present disclosure record the information processing programs described in (9) above.

[0035] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in the independent claim representing the highest-level concept will be described as optional components. Also, in all embodiments, the contents of each can be combined.

[0036] (Embodiment) Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the data management system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0037] The data management system 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises an AAS management server 1, an NFT management server 2, a terminal 3, a production data DB 4, a usage data DB 5, a CFP data DB 6, a reuse / recycle data DB 7, and a refurbished data DB 8.

[0038] In this specification, asset management shell is abbreviated as "AAS," non-fungible tokens as "NFT," carbon footprint as "CFP," and database as "DB."

[0039] The AAS management server 1 is an example of an information processing device and computer. The AAS management server 1 is, for example, a cloud server composed of one or more computers. However, this is just an example, and the AAS management server 1 may also be composed of edge servers. The AAS management server 1 is connected to the NFT management server 2, terminal 3, production data DB 4, usage data DB 5, CFP data DB 6, and reuse / recycle data DB 7 via a network 9 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 9 is, for example, the internet.

[0040] The NFT management server 2 is, for example, a cloud server composed of one or more computers. However, this is just an example, and the NFT management server 2 may also be composed of edge servers. The NFT management server 2 is communicably connected to the AAS management server 1 and the playback data DB 8 via the network 9 respectively.

[0041] The terminal 3 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a personal computer. The terminal 3 receives various data inputs from the user and displays various data. The terminal 3 receives the creation of data by the user in any of a plurality of processes in the product life cycle. The terminal 3 transmits the data created by the user to the AAS management server 1. In this embodiment, the data management system 10 includes one terminal 3, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto, and the data management system 10 may include a plurality of terminals 3 used in each of a plurality of processes in the product life cycle.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of processes in the product life cycle in this embodiment.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the product life cycle includes a product design process, a component manufacturing process, a product manufacturing process, a transportation process, a sales process, a product use process, a reuse process, a repair process, a disassembly process, and a recycling process. Note that the recycling process may include the disassembly process and the recycling process.

[0044] The product design process is a process of designing a product. The component manufacturing process is a process of manufacturing components constituting the product. The product manufacturing process is a process of assembling components to manufacture a product. The transportation process is a process of transporting the manufactured product. The sales process is a process of selling the product. The product use process is a process of using the product. The reuse process is a process of reusing a used product. The repair process is a process of repairing a used product. The disassembly process is a process of disassembling a used product into components. The recycling process is a process of recycling the disassembled components into materials.

[0045] The product design process, component manufacturing process, product manufacturing process, transportation process, sales process, and product usage process are carried out in sequence. After the product usage process is carried out, it proceeds to any one of the reuse process, repair process, and disassembly process.

[0046] The terminal 3 creates data in each process and transmits the created data to the AAS management server 1.

[0047] Note that the multiple processes in the product life cycle are not limited to the processes shown in FIG. 2. The product life cycle may include processes other than the multiple processes shown in FIG. 2, or may not include any of the multiple processes shown in FIG. 2.

[0048] The production data DB4 stores production data related to the manufacture of components and products created in the component manufacturing process and the product manufacturing process in the product life cycle. For example, the production data DB4 stores the product manufacturing number, the product manufacturing date and time, information identifying the line on which the product was manufactured, and the BOM (Bill Of Materials) of the product in association with each other.

[0049] The usage data DB5 stores usage data related to the usage of the product created in the usage process in the product life cycle. For example, the usage data DB5 stores the product management number, the product installation location, the product operation time, and the data obtained from the product in association with each other.

[0050] The CFP data DB6 stores CFP data related to the CFP of the product created in each of the multiple processes in the product life cycle. The CFP data includes the value of the carbon footprint obtained by converting the greenhouse gas emissions discharged in each process into carbon dioxide emissions. For example, the CFP data DB6 stores the product number and the CFP value for each process in association with each other.

[0051] The Reuse / Recycle Data DB7 stores reuse / recycle data related to the reuse or recycling of products created during the reuse / recycle process in the product's lifecycle. For example, for each product number, the Reuse / Recycle Data DB7 stores information to identify the parts obtained by dismantling the product, information indicating whether the dismantled parts will be reused or recycled, and information indicating the destination of the dismantled parts.

[0052] The regeneration data DB8 stores regeneration data related to materials recycled from products during the regeneration process in the product's lifecycle. For example, the regeneration data DB8 stores information identifying materials recycled from product components, along with information indicating the quantity of those materials.

[0053] Production data DB4, usage data DB5, CFP data DB6, reuse / recycle data DB7, and regeneration data DB8 may be located on a server connected to network 9, or on a terminal connected to network 9.

[0054] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the AAS management server 1 and NFT management server 2 according to this embodiment.

[0055] The AAS management server 1 includes a processor 11, memory 12, and a communication unit 13. The processor 11 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 11 includes an AAS generation unit 111, a data acquisition unit 112, a process determination unit 113, an NFT switching processing unit 114, an NFT transition determination unit 115, and a data storage processing unit 116. The AAS generation unit 111, data acquisition unit 112, process determination unit 113, NFT switching processing unit 114, NFT transition determination unit 115, and data storage processing unit 116 may be implemented by the processor 11 executing an information processing program, or they may be configured as dedicated hardware circuits such as an ASIC. The information processing program may be recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium.

[0056] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface that connects the AAS management server 1 to the network 9. The communication unit 13 receives data received from the user via the terminal 3.

[0057] The memory 12 consists of a non-volatile rewritable storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. The memory 12 includes an AAS storage unit 121.

[0058] The AAS generation unit 111 generates the product's AAS in the first of several processes in the product's lifecycle. For example, the AAS generation unit 111 generates the product's AAS in the product design process shown in Figure 2. In the first process, terminal 3 receives input from the user for an AAS generation instruction to generate the product's AAS and transmits the AAS generation instruction to the AAS management server 1. When the communication unit 13 receives the AAS generation instruction, the AAS generation unit 111 generates the product's AAS. The AAS generation unit 111 stores the generated AAS in the AAS storage unit 121.

[0059] The AAS storage unit 121 stores the AAS of the product generated by the AAS generation unit 111.

[0060] Figure 4 shows an example of the AAS301 of product X in this embodiment.

[0061] AAS301 consists of a header 311 and a body 312. The header 311 includes an asset ID that uniquely identifies the asset (product X) and an NFT migration flag. The asset ID is represented by a URL, a unique string, or a unique number. The string may also contain a number. The body 312 contains information about the asset (product X). The body 312 consists of multiple submodels. The multiple submodels contain data or data link destination information.

[0062] For example, in Figure 4, the submodel of production data stores the link to production data DB4, where the production data for product X is stored. The submodel of usage data stores the link to usage data DB5, where the usage data for product X is stored. The submodel of CFP data stores the link to CFP data DB6, where the CFP data for product X is stored. The submodel of reuse / recycle data stores the link to reuse / recycle data DB7, where the reuse / recycle data for product X is stored.

[0063] Furthermore, an AAS (Application Script) may be generated for the components that make up the product. The submodel may store data (e.g., a Bill of Materials) about the components that make up the product. The BOM may include links to the component AAS.

[0064] The data acquisition unit 112 acquires data created in one of several processes in the product lifecycle. The communication unit 13 receives data transmitted by the terminal 3. The data acquisition unit 112 acquires data transmitted by the terminal 3 via the communication unit 13. The data includes an asset ID for identifying the product or a token ID for identifying the material, and information for identifying the process. The data may be, for example, production data, usage data, CFP data, reuse / recycle data, or recycled data. The data may be actual data or a linked data source.

[0065] The process determination unit 113 determines whether the current process in which the data was created is a terminal process in which data management is performed by AAS. The terminal process in which data management is performed by AAS is the dismantling process in which the product is dismantled. The terminal processes in which data management is performed by AAS are predetermined. The process determination unit 113 refers to information for identifying the process included in the data and identifies the current process in which the data was created. The process determination unit 113 also determines whether the current process in which the data was created is a terminal process in which data management is performed by NFT. The terminal process in which data management is performed by NFT is the regeneration process in which the dismantled parts are recycled into materials. The terminal processes in which data management is performed by NFT are also predetermined.

[0066] If the process determination unit 113 determines that the current process is a terminal process where data management is performed by AAS, the NFT switching processing unit 114 stores switching information associated with AAS, indicating that data management by AAS will be switched to data management by NFTs generated by blockchain technology. More specifically, the switching information is an NFT migration completed flag. The NFT migration completed flag is an example of a flag. If the NFT switching processing unit 114 determines that the current process is a terminal process where data management is performed by AAS, it switches the NFT migration completed flag (flag) from FALSE (off) to TRUE (on). In other words, if the NFT switching processing unit 114 determines that the current process is a terminal process where data management is performed by AAS, it changes the NFT migration completed flag from FALSE to TRUE.

[0067] Furthermore, if the process determination unit 113 determines that the current process is a terminal process where data management is performed by AAS, the NFT switching processing unit 114 sends an NFT generation instruction to the NFT management server 2 to instruct the generation of an NFT. The NFT generation instruction includes an asset ID for identifying the AAS. The communication unit 13 sends this to the NFT management server 2. If the current process is determined to be a terminal process where data management is performed by AAS, the NFT management server 2 generates an NFT. The NFT management server 2 sends a token ID for identifying the generated NFT to the AAS management server 1. The communication unit 13 receives the token ID sent by the NFT management server 2. The NFT switching processing unit 114 obtains the token ID (token identification information) for identifying the NFT generated by the NFT management server 2 from the communication unit 13. The NFT switching processing unit 114 stores the obtained token ID (token identification information) in association with the AAS.

[0068] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the NFT switching processing unit 114 stores the reuse / recycle data of the AAS in association with multiple parts dismantled from the product and the NFT token ID of each of the multiple parts.

[0069] The NFT transition determination unit 115 determines whether the NFT transition completed flag (switching information) indicates that data management by AAS will be switched to data management by NFT. That is, the NFT transition determination unit 115 determines whether the NFT transition completed flag is TRUE (on) or FALSE (off). If the NFT transition completed flag is TRUE (on), it indicates that data management by AAS will be switched to data management by NFT. On the other hand, if the NFT transition completed flag is FALSE (off), it indicates that data management by AAS will not be switched to data management by NFT.

[0070] If the NFT transition determination unit 115 determines that the current process is not a terminal process where data management is performed by AAS, the data storage processing unit 116 stores the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 112 in association with either AAS or NFT, based on the NFT transition completed flag (switching information).

[0071] More specifically, the data storage processing unit 116 stores the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 112 in association with the AAS if the NFT transition determination unit 115 determines that the current process is not a terminal process where data management is performed by AAS, and the NFT transition completed flag (flag) is off. Alternatively, the data storage processing unit 116 stores the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 112 in association with the NFT if the NFT transition determination unit 115 determines that the current process is not a terminal process where data management is performed by AAS, and the NFT transition completed flag (flag) is on. In this case, the data storage processing unit 116 transmits the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 112 to the NFT management server 2 via the communication unit 13, causing the NFT management server 2 to store the data in association with the NFT. If the NFT transition determination unit 115 determines that the current process is not a terminal process where data management is performed by AAS, and the NFT transition completed flag (flag) is set to ON, the communication unit 13 transmits the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 112 to the NFT management server 2.

[0072] For example, as shown in Figure 2, data is managed by AAS in the product design process, parts manufacturing process, product manufacturing process, transportation process, sales process, product usage process, reuse process, repair process, and dismantling process, while data is managed by NFT in the dismantling process and regeneration process. In the dismantling process, data management by AAS is switched to data management by NFT. Data in the dismantling process may be stored associated with both AAS and NFT, or associated with either AAS or NFT.

[0073] The NFT management server 2 includes a processor 21, memory 22, and a communication unit 23. The processor 21 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 21 includes an NFT generation instruction acquisition unit 211, an NFT generation unit 212, an ID transmission processing unit 213, a data acquisition unit 214, and a data storage processing unit 215. The NFT generation instruction acquisition unit 211, the NFT generation unit 212, the ID transmission processing unit 213, the data acquisition unit 214, and the data storage processing unit 215 may be implemented by the processor 21 executing an information processing program, or they may be configured as dedicated hardware circuits such as an ASIC. The information processing program may be recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium.

[0074] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface that connects the NFT management server 2 to the network 9. The communication unit 23 receives NFT generation instructions transmitted by the AAS management server 1. The communication unit 23 also receives data transmitted by the AAS management server 1.

[0075] The memory 22 consists of a non-volatile rewritable storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. The memory 22 includes an NFT storage unit 221.

[0076] The NFT generation instruction acquisition unit 211 acquires the NFT generation instruction received by the communication unit 23.

[0077] The NFT generation unit 212 generates an NFT using blockchain technology when an NFT generation instruction is obtained by the NFT generation instruction acquisition unit 211. The NFT generation instruction includes an asset ID for identifying the AAS. The NFT generation unit 212 stores the generated NFT in the NFT storage unit 221. The NFT generation unit 212 stores the asset ID (asset identification information) for identifying the AAS in association with the NFT.

[0078] The NFT storage unit 221 stores the NFTs generated by the NFT generation unit 212.

[0079] Figure 5 shows an example of the NFT401 in this embodiment.

[0080] Blockchain technology is a technology that stores transaction records in a decentralized database, making it difficult to tamper with transaction records. Blockchain technology is a foundational technology that provides a secure record of various data or transactions. NFTs are digital assets generated using blockchain technology and possess unique ownership information.

[0081] NFT401 manages the transaction history of materials recycled from dismantled parts. NFT401 includes index data. The index data includes a unique token ID, name, information indicating the holder, the corresponding AAS asset ID, and information indicating the metadata location (URI). The token ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the NFT. The information indicating the holder includes the address of the current owner of the NFT. The information indicating the metadata location includes information identifying the file to which the metadata is linked or the URI to which the metadata is linked. The metadata includes data about the NFT. For example, the metadata includes the name of the data, the date and time the data was created, and the CFP generated by the material transaction. The metadata may be stored in the memory 22 of the NFT management server 2, or it may be stored on another computer connected via the network 9.

[0082] While a token ID is used as identification information to identify an NFT, a blockchain ID (private chain ID or Ethereum ID) may also be used. Furthermore, the corresponding AAS asset ID may be included in the metadata referenced by the NFT. Access control settings can also be configured for NFTs.

[0083] The ID transmission processing unit 213 transmits a token ID to the AAS management server 1 via the communication unit 23 to identify the NFT generated by the NFT generation unit 212.

[0084] The data acquisition unit 214 acquires data transmitted by the AAS management server 1 via the communication unit 23.

[0085] The data storage processing unit 215 stores the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 214 in association with the NFT. That is, if the AAS management server 1 determines that the current process is not a terminal process where data management by AAS is performed, and that the NFT migration completed flag (flag) is on, the data storage processing unit 215 stores the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 214 in association with the NFT. The data may be included in the NFT as metadata, or the data link destination information may be included in the NFT.

[0086] Data on product components and other materials after they have been recycled can be traced using transaction history and metadata referenced from NFTs generated by blockchain technology. For objects that cannot be treated as physical objects, such as materials, data can be managed through transaction history, enabling data management throughout the entire lifecycle.

[0087] In this embodiment, the data management system 10 includes an AAS management server 1 and an NFT management server 2. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the data management system 10 may include only an AAS management server 1, with the AAS management server 1 also having the functions of the NFT management server 2.

[0088] Next, the data processing by the AAS management server 1 in the embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0089] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the data processing performed by the AAS management server 1 in the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0090] Note that the product's AAS (Advanced Assurance System) has already been generated before the data processing shown in Figure 6 is performed.

[0091] First, in step S1, the data acquisition unit 112 acquires data created in one of the multiple processes in the product lifecycle via the communication unit 13.

[0092] Next, in step S2, the process determination unit 113 determines whether the current process in which the data was created is a terminal process in which data management is performed by AAS. A terminal process in AAS management is, for example, a dismantling process in which the product is dismantled.

[0093] If it is determined that the current process is the final process under AAS management (YES in step S2), then in step S3, the NFT switching processing unit 114 sends an NFT generation instruction to the NFT management server 2 via the communication unit 13 to instruct the generation of an NFT. The NFT generation instruction includes an asset ID for identifying the AAS. Upon receiving the NFT generation instruction, the NFT management server 2 generates an NFT and sends a token ID for identifying the generated NFT to the AAS management server 1.

[0094] Next, in step S4, the NFT switching processing unit 114 obtains the NFT token ID generated by the NFT management server 2 via the communication unit 13.

[0095] Next, in step S5, the NFT switching processing unit 114 stores the acquired NFT token ID in association with the AAS. This associates the data managed by the AAS with the data managed by the NFT.

[0096] Next, in step S6, the NFT switching processing unit 114 switches the NFT transition completed flag from FALSE to TRUE.

[0097] Next, in step S7, the data storage processing unit 116 stores the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 112 in association with the AAS.

[0098] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current process is not the final process under AAS management (NO in step S2), in step S8, the NFT transition determination unit 115 determines whether the NFT transition completed flag is TRUE or not.

[0099] If the NFT migration flag is determined not to be TRUE, that is, if the NFT migration flag is determined to be FALSE (NO in step S8), then in step S7, the data storage processing unit 116 stores the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 112 in association with the AAS. When the NFT migration flag is FALSE, the current process is a process before the dismantling process, which is the final process of AAS management. In this case, the data is managed by the AAS.

[0100] On the other hand, if the NFT migration flag is determined to be TRUE (YES in step S8), in step S9, the data storage processing unit 116 transmits the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 112 to the NFT management server 2 via the communication unit 13. When the NFT migration flag is TRUE, the current process is a process after the dismantling process, which is the final process of AAS management. In this case, the data is managed by NFT.

[0101] Next, in step S10, the process determination unit 113 determines whether the current process in which the data was created is a terminal process in which NFT data management is performed. Note that a terminal process for NFT management is, for example, a regeneration process in which disassembled parts are recycled as materials. The terminal process for NFT management is not limited to a regeneration process, but may be a process located between the regeneration process and the parts manufacturing process.

[0102] If it is determined that the current process is not the final process for NFT management (NO in step S10), the process returns to step S1.

[0103] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current process is the final process for NFT management (YES in step S10), data processing is terminated.

[0104] Thus, if the current process in which the data was created is determined to be a terminal process, switching information indicating that data management by AAS will be switched to data management by NFTs generated by blockchain technology is stored in association with AAS. If the current process in which the data was created is determined not to be a terminal process, and the switching information indicates that data management by AAS will be switched to data management by NFTs, the data is stored in association with NFTs. On the other hand, if the current process in which the data was created is determined not to be a terminal process, and the switching information indicates that data management by AAS will not be switched to data management by NFTs, the data is stored in association with AAS.

[0105] Therefore, even data that is difficult to manage in conjunction with AAS can be managed in conjunction with NFT, and data obtained throughout the entire product lifecycle can be managed.

[0106] Next, the data processing by the NFT management server 2 in the embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0107] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the data processing performed by the NFT management server 2 in the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0108] First, in step S21, the NFT generation instruction acquisition unit 211 determines whether or not an NFT generation instruction has been received by the communication unit 23.

[0109] If the communication unit 23 determines that an NFT generation instruction has been received (YES in step S21), then in step S22, the NFT generation unit 212 generates an NFT using blockchain technology. The NFT generation unit 212 stores the generated NFT in the NFT storage unit 221.

[0110] Next, in step S23, the NFT generation unit 212 stores the asset ID of the AAS included in the NFT generation instruction in association with the NFT. This associates the data managed by the NFT with the data managed by the AAS.

[0111] Next, in step S24, the ID transmission processing unit 213 transmits the NFT token ID generated by the NFT generation unit 212 to the AAS management server 1 via the communication unit 23. After that, the process returns to step S21.

[0112] On the other hand, if the communication unit 23 determines that an NFT generation instruction has not been received (NO in step S21), in step S25, the data acquisition unit 214 determines whether or not data has been received by the communication unit 23.

[0113] If the communication unit 23 determines that no data has been received (NO in step S25), the process returns to step S21.

[0114] On the other hand, if the communication unit 23 determines that data has been received (YES in step S25), in step S26, the data acquisition unit 214 acquires the data transmitted by the AAS management server 1 via the communication unit 23.

[0115] Next, in step S27, the data storage processing unit 215 stores the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 214 in association with the NFT.

[0116] Figure 8 illustrates the timing of the switch from AAS to NFT for data management and the process of tracing data using NFT.

[0117] Figure 8 shows the AAS302 of the air conditioning equipment, and its asset ID is "001". During the dismantling process, the NFT migration flag of AAS302 is switched to "TRUE". Also during the dismantling process, NFT411 corresponding to the part "air conditioning equipment cover" and NFT412 corresponding to the part "air conditioning equipment flap" are generated. The asset ID of the referencing AAS302 is associated with NFT411 and NFT412. In addition, the token IDs of NFT411 and NFT412 are associated with AAS302. The token IDs of the NFTs are stored in the submodel of AAS302, but they may also be stored in the header along with the asset ID.

[0118] Furthermore, during the regeneration process, the "air conditioning equipment cover" and "air conditioning equipment flap" are recycled into resin, and an NFT413 corresponding to the material "recycled resin" is generated. The token ID of the referenced NFT411 and the token ID of the original NFT412 are associated with NFT413. In addition, NFT413 includes the CFP value "1000g" generated when the "air conditioning equipment cover" corresponding to the referenced NFT411 was recycled, and the CFP value "200g" generated when the "air conditioning equipment flap" corresponding to the referenced NFT412 was recycled. The asset ID of the referenced AAS302 may also be associated with NFT413.

[0119] Furthermore, disassembled parts may be reused in the manufacture of the product. Alternatively, disassembled parts may be repaired, and the repaired parts may be used in the manufacture of the product. In this case, data on the disassembled parts may be managed by AAS.

[0120] Furthermore, NFT-based data management can be applied to processes other than the regeneration process, that is, processes prior to the terminal process where AAS-based data management is performed. For example, the transaction history of parts or products at multiple stages throughout the entire product lifecycle may be stored in the NFT.

[0121] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the apparatus according to the embodiments of this disclosure may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0122] Furthermore, all figures used above are illustrative examples provided to illustrate this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to these illustrative figures.

[0123] Furthermore, the order in which the steps shown in the flowchart above are performed is illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating this disclosure, and other orders are acceptable as long as similar effects are achieved. Also, some of the steps above may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0124] The technology described herein is useful as a technology for managing data created at multiple stages in a product's lifecycle, as it can manage data obtained throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Claims

1. An information processing method performed by a computer, comprising: acquiring data created in one of several processes in the product lifecycle; determining whether the current process in which the data was created is a terminal process in which data management is performed by an asset management shell; if the current process is determined to be the terminal process, storing switching information associated with the asset management shell indicating that data management by the asset management shell will be switched to data management by non-fungible tokens generated by blockchain technology; and if the current process is determined not to be the terminal process, storing the data associated with either the asset management shell or the non-fungible tokens based on the switching information.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the terminal step is a dismantling step of dismantling the product.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the switching information is a flag, the storage of the switching information includes switching the flag from off to on when it is determined that the current process is the terminal process, and the storage of the data includes storing the data in association with the asset management shell when it is determined that the current process is not the terminal process and the flag is off, and storing the data in association with the non-fungible token when it is determined that the current process is not the terminal process and the flag is on.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the data includes a carbon footprint obtained by converting the greenhouse gas emissions emitted in the current process into carbon dioxide emissions.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising: generating the non-fungible token when it is determined that the current process is the terminal process; obtaining token identification information for identifying the generated non-fungible token; and storing the obtained token identification information in association with the asset management shell.

6. The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein the generation of the non-fungible token includes storing asset identification information for identifying the asset management shell in association with the non-fungible token.

7. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising generating the asset management shell in the first of the plurality of steps.

8. An information processing device comprising a processor, wherein the processor acquires data created in one of a plurality of processes in the product lifecycle, determines whether the current process in which the data was created is a terminal process in which data management is performed by an asset management shell, stores switching information associated with the asset management shell if it is determined that the current process is a terminal process, and if it is determined that the current process is a terminal process, stores switching information associated with the asset management shell indicating that the data management by the asset management shell will be switched to data management by non-fungible tokens generated by blockchain technology if it is determined that the current process is not a terminal process, stores the data associated with either the asset management shell or the non-fungible tokens based on the switching information.

9. An information processing program that acquires data created in one of several processes in the product lifecycle, determines whether the current process in which the data was created is a terminal process in which data management is performed by an asset management shell, stores switching information associated with the asset management shell if it is determined that the current process is a terminal process, and if it is determined that the data management by the asset management shell is switched to data management by non-fungible tokens generated by blockchain technology if it is determined that the current process is not a terminal process, and causes the computer to function to store the data associated with either the asset management shell or the non-fungible tokens based on the switching information.

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